Inspirational athlete to be Liverpool’s Australia Day Ambassador

Nick Gleeson with his Seeing Eye dog, Unity.

Athlete and motivational speaker Nicholas Gleeson will be the Australia Day Ambassador at Liverpool’s 2020 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.

“Blind since the age of seven, Nicholas Gleeson has achieved a great deal as an athlete, accessibility advocate, global adventurer and motivational speaker,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“His strength and drive are inspirational and serve as a powerful reminder of what individuals can do for themselves and others through passion and commitment.

“Nick is a fantastic role model and I am very proud to have someone of such high regard join us as Australia Day Ambassador.”

To mark the occasion, Mr Gleeson will also talk about his book The Many Ways of Seeing, his adventures and determination to follow his passion at a free event at Liverpool City Library from 10.30am-11.30am on Friday 24 January. Signed copies of his book will be available for purchase.

“I am honoured to be this year’s Australia Day Ambassador for Liverpool,” Mr Gleeson said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to meet so many inspiring local people, as well as be part of a warm welcome to new Australian citizens.”

Liverpool City Council’s 2020 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be held at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on Sunday 26 January from 10am to midday. As there is limited capacity, expressions of interest for members of the public to attend the ceremony can be sent to [email protected].

“With a community rich in cultural diversity, Australia Day is a cherished celebration for thousands of people who have come to call Liverpool home,” Mayor Waller said.

“It is the ultimate privilege to be able to recognise new Australian citizens and the outstanding achievements of people in our community at such a special time of year.

“I look forward to Nick Gleeson joining Councillors and me to welcome our newest citizens and recognise those in our community who are accomplishing wonderful feats.”

The 2020 Australia Day Awards categories include:

The wider community is invited to Council's free, all-ages Australia Day celebration, which returns to Woodward Park in Liverpool on Sunday 26 January, 5pm–10pm.

“Liverpool City Council’s 2020 Australia Day is an event not to be missed,” Mayor Waller said.

“There will be a stellar line-up of entertainment, great food which reflects our city’s diversity, carnival rides and the Channel 10 fireworks spectacular at 9pm.

“Council will also collect donations from the NSW Rural Fire Service to support their continued efforts to protect homes and wildlife from bushfire.”

For more information visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/australiaday.

About Nicholas Gleeson

Athlete, accessibility advocate and global adventurer Nicholas (Nick) Gleeson has a gift of being able to convey a serious message – that of overcoming the challenges of living with blindness – with warmth, humour and honesty.

At the age of seven, Nick’s life changed forever when an electronic swinging supermarket door hit him on the side of his head, causing a retinal detachment. Nick overcame other family tragedies in his early years. He attended a boarding school for children who were blind and was one of the first of his peers to finish Year 12, going on to complete a Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University.

Nick always had a passion for sport and adventure and has represented Australia in athletics on multiple occasions. His down-to-earth nature allowed him to become a successful speaker, sharing his love for sport and adventure to all. His highlights include putting together an expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, carrying the Sydney Olympic Torch, hiking to Everest Base Camp and trekking the Simpson Desert.

Nick describes himself as a very ordinary person who has managed to achieve many of his dreams – among them marrying Heather, who is also blind, and raising two teenagers, Peter and Belinda.

Further information about Nick and his successes is available on his website nicholasgleeson.com.au