Celebrating Australia Day 2026: Inspiring Stories Across Western Australia
This Australia Day, communities throughout Western Australia will embark on a journey of reflection and celebration, deeply rooted in stories of courage and resilience. Auspire Ambassadors will make their way through towns and cities, sharing inspiring tales that exemplify the spirit of Australia.
The Role of Auspire Ambassadors
Auspire serves as a facilitator of shared experiences, sending out a slate of ambassadors to engage with local communities. These ambassadors include esteemed alumni from the Australian of the Year Awards and Community Citizen of the Year Awards. They are advocates and role models who uplift and inspire through their actions and stories. Their visits encompass keynote speeches and participation in local events, aiming to spark thoughtfulness about what it means to be Australian.
Notable Guests and Their Contributions
Former Auspire Board Member Rishelle Hume is making a much-anticipated return to the City of Swan, while Maisara Muzaffar will share her journey in the City of Gosnells, the very community where she was honored with the Young Community Citizen of the Year Award in 2024. Her work in providing essentials and educational opportunities to those in need has made significant strides in improving her local community.
Lueth Garang: A Voice of Hope
Among the ambassadors, Lueth Garang stands out. A primary school teacher and refugee, she has a profound story to tell about her transition to life in Australia. Set to speak in Toodyay, she expresses her eagerness to share how her experiences have shaped her outlook. “Australia is a nation shaped by diverse individual journeys – many marked by hardship and perseverance,” Lueth shares. Her goal is to convey that these experiences come with invaluable lessons that can inspire others.
Inspiration from Diverse Backgrounds
Traveling further afield, Conrad Liveris will head to Broome, and Naveed Ahmed will grace the community in Esperance. Each ambassador carries a unique story, reflective of their journey, struggles, and triumphs. These tales contribute to a diverse narrative that paints a richer picture of Australian society.
Reach and Engagement
The reach of these inspirational figures is significant, with multiple locations set to host them. The City of Bayswater will showcase Craig Hollywood on January 28, while Dr. Pedus Eweama will speak in the City of Canning and Jawaria Mahmood in the Shire of Capel. Such events offer a meaningful opportunity for residents to engage with individuals who reflect the true spirit of community and resilience.
Detailed List of Ambassadors
For those interested in attending these inspiring sessions, here is a comprehensive list of the Auspire Australia Day Ambassadors:
- City of Bayswater – Craig Hollywood (28 January)
- Shire of Broome – Conrad Liveris
- City of Canning – Pedus Eweama
- Shire of Capel – Jawaria Mahmood
- City of Cockburn – Jimmy Murphy
- Town of Cottesloe – Darryl Davenport
- Shire of Donnybrook Balingup – Nilesh Makwana
- Shire of Esperance – Naveed Ahmed
- City of Gosnells – Maisara Muzaffar
- City of Joondalup – Janine Wood
- City of Mandurah – Paul Litherland
- City of Melville – Steph Jackson
- Town of Mosman Park – Ken Gibbons
- City of Nedlands – Kendall Whyte OAM (28 January)
- Shire of Northam – Nahrel Dallywater
- City of Stirling – Rob Geersen
- City of Subiaco – Krista Dunstan
- City of Swan – Rishelle Hume
- Shire of Toodyay – Lueth Garang
- Shire of York – Professor Ralph Martins AO
As Australia Day approaches, the opportunity to hear these remarkable stories invites everyone to partake in a weekend of respect, reflection, and community celebration. Local Government Authorities can provide additional details, as attendance at events may vary between public and invitation-only appearances.
