People of Australia Ambassadors
THURSDAY, 19/1/2012 Kate Lundy
The strength of Australia is our people, their humility and kindness, their willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need of support. The Gillard Government is recognising the extraordinary contribution made by many Australians in our communities through the People of Australia Ambassador’s Program.
The 40 People of Australia Ambassadors, appointed by the Prime Minister, are outstanding Australians who work to bring people together and build bridges of understanding and respect.
Communities thrive when people are encouraged to participate and share a common future. The inaugural program reflects the strength of leadership throughout our communities and our capacity as a nation to welcome people and make them feel part of our community.
The program is a practical way to recognise the valuable role local citizens play in strengthening their communities and building bridges of understanding and respect. Through the program the Ambassadors will have an opportunity to promote the value of their work and provide advice to government and the independent Australian Multicultural Council.
The program is about recognising the positive impact many outstanding Australians are having on the ground.
All the ambassadors have their own stories and their contributions are diverse. However, they share in common a drive to make a difference and bring people together.
Through their efforts People of Australia Ambassadors have engaged countless young people through sport, helped thousands of young students overcome language barriers, and created volunteer organisations that draw on the strength of the community to help people settle in Australia to name a few. Their contributions are substantial.
If you’re an AFL fan you would know one of the 40 ambassadors selected, Harry O’Brien, who plays for Collingwood.
It was an honour to meet Harry O’Brien, at Gosch’s Oval in Melbourne yesterday and hear more about the AFL multicultural sports program and the many community activities he is engaged with.
Everyone knows Harry is a remarkable player on the field, but off the field he gives back to the community.
Harry is a wonderful role model who actively works to make a difference. We need more people like him. His conviction and his passion for making a positive difference is empowering young people and inspiring them to reach for their full potential.
In fact, all 40 of our Ambassadors are great role models in their own way, to find out more about the program click here.
Or watch these videos and listen to some of their stories
Senator Kate Lundy is the Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
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