Edward River’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador Announced

Published on 10 January 2025

Edward River Council invites you to join us on Sunday, 26 January for a memorable Australia Day celebration at the Deniliquin Town Hall, featuring this year’s Australia Day Ambassador, Mr Garry Baker, who will help us celebrate this special day belonging to all Australians.

The celebration will commence with a free breakfast at Civic Plaza at 8:30am, followed by the official ceremony at the Deniliquin Town Hall starting from 9:45am.

The proceedings will include the presentation of Australia Day Awards to honour our region's community achievements and outstanding individuals. Attendees will also enjoy performances from the Sing Australia Choir and The Edward River Concert Band.

Mayor of Edward River, Cr Ashley Hall is looking forward to the community joining together for this special event.

"Australia Day is a time to come together and celebrate the strength and connectedness of our community. We are honoured to have Garry Baker, who has contributed so much to our region, as our Australia Day Ambassador and we look forward to recognising the remarkable contributions of our residents,” said Cr Hall.

Australia Day Ambassador, Garry Baker has dedicated over four decades to the newspaper industry, with most of his career spent in Deniliquin.

He served as Managing Editor of the Pastoral Times from 1981 to 1985 and later established the Deniliquin Standard. In 1995, he negotiated a merger with the Pastoral Times and managed the publication until 2011. From 2011, Garry transitioned to book publishing and has written fourteen books.

Garry is thrilled to be bestowed with the honour of Australia Day Ambassador.

“For many years I helped cook the Rotary barbecue at local Australia Day ceremonies, and enjoyed the local band and Sing Australia Choir, before listening to inspirational Ambassadors and watching our top community achievers receive Australia Day Awards.

“It is day of tradition and unity in our community; one to celebrate and show respect for each other. I am honoured to participate as Ambassador in this year’s Edward River Council Australia Day ceremony and celebrations.”

Interim CEO of Edward River Council, Gary Arnold, added, "This Australia Day gives us time to connect with family, friends and community – a day to celebrate the freedoms we share and the values and beliefs we hold. We encourage everyone to join us for a day of reflection, celebration, and community spirit at the Deni Town Hall."

The Edward River community and visitors to the area are encouraged to come along to the Deniliquin Town Hall on Australia Day and celebrate our nation, region and people.

For more information about the Australia Day event, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre at 03 5898 3000.

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Media Enquiries:
Phone: Yvette Height 0439 314 408
Email: communications@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au