We've got our ambassador, now we need your heroes
Published on 19 December 2022
Jolene Anderson, star of All Saints, Play School and Harrow will be Kempsey’s 2023 Australia Day Ambassador when Kempsey Shire Council celebrates the event by presenting the Local Hero Awards as well as the Citizen of the Year Awards, at a ceremony in the Slim Dusty Centre.
Nominations for the Citizen of the Year Award and Local Hero awards have also been extended until 7 January to give the community a bigger chance to get in an application.
Each year, an ambassador is announced as a special guest to the awards and Leo Hauville, Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council is delighted to announce Jolene Anderson as the Australia Day Ambassador for 2023.
“Jo was our first choice as ambassador because she represents so many of the great aspects of our shire and despite travelling the world is still a proud Kempsey citizen,” said Cr Hauville.
“Jolene grew up in Euroka and if you didn’t know the talented actress, singer and dancer then, you’ll surely know her from her roles in the hit TV series All Saints, Rush and Harrow, or maybe you watched her on Playschool as a kid.”
Now that the ambassador is locked in, Mayor Hauville is asking residents to nominate Local Heroes of the Kempsey Shire for an award that celebrates those groups and individuals who help their community.
“‘Hero’ is a big word, but it's someone you know. From a friend who is there in a tough time to that hard-working volunteer at the CWA or nippers. In Kempsey, a hero is anyone who makes an effort, who makes a difference to you.”
One of the Local Hero winners from 2022 is Anika Malcolm who received the award for going above and beyond in her role as manager of Kempsey PCYC who has since joined the Australia Day Committee.
Anika was instrumental in bringing the community together and making a difference in the lives of young people, increasing participation in PCYC programs by 234%.
She built resilience in the community through the programs providing a safe place for young people to learn life skills such as cooking, exercise and healthy eating.
“The Australia Day committee wants to celebrate our local heroes and our amazing citizens by hosting a great, memorable event, starring a great, local celebrity, to honour their special contribution to our community,” said Cr Hauville.
If you know a hero, say thanks. Nominate your local hero for an award at Australia Day Awards