Olympian named as CBCity's 2019 Australia Day Ambassador

Olympic Kayaker, paramedic, and motivational speaker Jo Brigden-Jones has been named Canterbury-Bankstown’s 2019 Australia Day Ambassador.

On Saturday 26 January, Ms Brigden-Jones will attend the City’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and, alongside Mayor Khal Asfour, announce this year’s Australia Day Award recipients.

"I’m really looking forward to being part of Canterbury-Bankstown’s Australia Day celebrations," Ms Brigden-Jones said.

"I have only experienced the area while working as a paramedic, which rushes me all around Sydney, so I’m excited to meet the local community on this special day."

Competing at the 2012 London Olympics has been a highlight of Ms Brigden-Jones’ career, and is something she is aspiring to relive at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

When she’s not hitting the water, or working in an ambulance, Ms Brigden-Jones likes to motivate others to be the best they can be by sharing her secrets to success.

"Every individual deserves to reach their potential, and if I can be a part of that in some small way, whether it be through my speaking, my work as a paramedic, or through competing, then I have achieved what I set out to do," she said.

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, to be held at the Bryan Brown Theatre, will welcome new residents to the area as well as acknowledge the City’s unsung heroes in the categories of:

Mayor Asfour said it was always a tough job deciding on the winners, as the standard of the nominations is always very high.

"Australia Day is a significant event for our City, as it gives us a chance to come together and celebrate our history, achievements and diversity," Mayor Asfour said.

"It always amazes me just how much our residents do for each other, and contribute to making our City an even better place to live, work and play."

Following the ceremony, residents are encouraged to attend Council’s twilight Australia Day event, held from 6-9pm at Belmore Oval. The event will include great food, children’s activities and carnival rides, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.

For more information, visit cb.city/australiaday