Australia Day ambassadors announced for Gladstone Region

One of the best parts of Australia Day is celebrating Australians who have done great things for their community, their state or their country.

Paul and Gabrielle Quilliam are two such exceptional Australians, who will be sharing their stories at the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony and the Australia Day Family Fun Day.

The founders of Queensland’s only children’s hospice, Hummingbird House, Paul and Gabrielle Quilliam became advocates for families caring for children with life-limiting conditions.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the Australia Day Ambassador program is an opportunity for all Australians, particularly those in regional areas, to meet and gain inspiration from Australian achievers who come from all walks of life.

“These great Australians bring their experiences and stories to local communities, adding another element to local celebrations. Australia Day Ambassadors are also given insight into the local traditions and attractions by the local communities they visit,” Cr Burnett said.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my Australia Day than celebrating at the magnificent Millennium Esplanade, so our ambassadors are in for a real Aussie treat.

“Our region is especially lucky to have two such incredible people spending Australia Day with us.

“Paul and Gabrielle have done incredible things for families across our state and are both nothing short of extraordinary.”

With a shared determination, the former school teacher and nurse founded the Hummingbird House Foundation in 2011. They have since secured $11 million in government funding and raised more than $7 million through generous philanthropic and corporate donations.

The Australia Day Ambassador program sends high achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day.

Ambassadors are past recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards, sportspeople, scientists, businesspeople, actors and community workers who provide inspiration and pride to Australia Day events and activities.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program is proudly sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.