Council has announced that social justice and community advocacy leader Khushaal Vyas will be the Mid-Western Region's 2020 Australia Day Ambassador.
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Described as a passionate and active lawyer, Mr Vyas has received the NSW Premier's Multicultural Youth Medal, and has been awarded through the Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference.
From a young age, Mr Vyas has been committed to improving the lives of young people across NSW. He has helped organise large youth consultation conferences, the Bring it On! Youth Festival (attended by over 10,000 people annually) and was a key advocate for the Fairfield City Youth and Community Centre.
As a lawyer, Mr Vyas now uses his public speaking experience to MC at various community, cultural and charity events to promote and raise money for worthy causes. Mr Vyas said he is excited to join in the celebrations and once again visit the region.
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"In the first few trips I made to Dubbo, I stopped in Mudgee where locals insisted that I visit other scenic places nearby like Rylstone," Mr Vyas said. "Ever since that time, I've had Rylstone as a place that I've been keen on visiting, and to have the opportunity to present as an Australia Day Ambassador in what is such a vibrant and beautiful community is incredibly exciting.
"I think this year [Australia Day] is particularly important. The extent of the bushfires, the lives and homes lost has been nothing short of tragic and heartbreaking. Australia Day, however, will give us a chance to also reflect on what being Australian means in a practical sense.
"Because amongst all the devastation, we have witnessed so many moments that, better than words, show what being Australian really means. Whether it's marvelling at the selflessness of our firefighters or seeing Australians from all walks of life and different faiths band together to support victims.
"2020 has already started on an emotional note, but it's also given us so much to be reminded of what our values are as Australians and, so long as we do not forget that, can only drive us forward in the year ahead."
Mid-Western Region's 2020 Australia Day celebrations will be held on Sunday, 26 January at Rylstone Showground from 8am.
A free community breakfast, market stalls, coffee van, children's activities and live entertainment will be on offer.
Australia Day nominees
Citizen of the Year
- Jan Pirie
- Jason Turner
- Lyall Woods
- Patricia Wells
- Paul Anthony Fookes
- Rebecca Callaghan
Young Citizen of the Year
- Chelsea Butlin
- Ned Dickson
- Community Event of the Year
- Gulgong Holtermann Museum
- Gulgong Prince Of Wales Eisteddfod
- MudgeeQue
- Mudgee Bridge Club
- Mudgee & Districts Toy Run
- Rylstone Bull-A-Rama
Glen Johnston Memorial Award- Music & Arts
- Scott Etherington
Sports Award
- Ben Harris
- Jordan Thompson
- Justin Gossage
- Kylie McDonnell
- Rohit Prasad
- Tom Rich
Volunteer Services Award
- Edward George
- Greg Madden
- Kylie McDonnell
- Paul Anthony Fookes
- Julie Clare Parsons
- Rebecca Callaghan
- Renee Bridger
- Rose Gawthorne
- Scott Spier
- Matthew Maude
- Tim Newson
- We Care Community Shop
Wall of Reflections
- Amelia Helen Morrison
- Mary Elizabeth Hooker 'Aunty Mary'
- Ronald Wellsmore