2022 AUSTRALIA DAY AMBASSADOR AND AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

As preparations for Australia Day celebrations take shape, the National Australia Day Council has announced that Lachlan Shire’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2022 is Ms Donna Burton.

Donna is an astronomer and science communicator who is passionate about astronomy and has made it her life’s work. Known affectionately as Donna the Astronomer, she is dedicated to engaging people, particularly children, in the wonder and mystery of the night sky.

Lachlan Shire General Manager Greg Tory said “We are incredibly lucky to be joined by Ms Burton who will be delivering her Australia Day Ambassador Address at the Lachlan Shire Australia Day Award Ceremony in Lake Cargelligo and other Australia Day activities across the Shire.”

Working out of the Milroy Observatory in Coonabarabran, NSW, Donna introduces local residents and tourists to the area to constellations, planets, and stars through her Star Gazing Show. She employs a keen young team who share her passion and enthusiasm for the night sky.

Growing up in the Aussie bush, Donna fell in love with the sky at an early age. She has been a speaker for schools, amateur astronomy gatherings, Astrofests, seniors’ groups, and even a guest lecturer on several Princess Ships and other cruise lines.

Although life has not always been easy for Donna as the daughter of a drover, she fell in love with the sky, which became the one constant in her life. Her belief is that we all share the same sky and no matter where or who we are – we can go out at night and know that others are looking up at the same wonders.

Recognised for being the first Australian woman to discover two comets, Donna is a popular speaker. She shares her knowledge and ancient stories of the sky to inspire and enthuse any audience. She loves teaching, writing, and undertaking research.

In 2010, NASA’s WISE spacecraft took a picture of a comet Donna discovered three years previously – announcing to the world that “ANU Astronomer, Donna Burton was the first Australian woman to discover a comet.” This was, in fact, the second comet discovered by Donna.

Donna was honoured to be featured as one of the Legends of the Bush in the 2019 RM Williams Great Australian magazine. In 2021, she was featured in a beautiful book ‘Classic Agenda Heroes’.

As Lachlan Shire Australia Day Ambassador, Donna will join the Mayor to present the 2022 NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards at the Lake Cargelligo Sail and Power Boat Club on Australia Day Wednesday 26 January 2022 before traveling to the Tullibigeal and Burcher Australia Day celebrations later in the day.

Following the Award ceremony, Donna will join the Federal Member for Parkes the Hon. Mark Coulton MP and the Mayor to officially open the Lake Cargelligo Pool amenities block at 11:00am.

Council has also announced the nominees for the 2022 NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards:

Dr Khaled Bardawil - Dr Bardawil has been nominated for his outstanding service as General Practitioner to the Lake Cargelligo and the surrounding areas. In 2021, Dr Bardawil played a major role in coordinating the immunisation of the local community against COVID-19. Dr Bardawil and his team worked around the clock to protect the community.

Dr Khaled and Pascale Bardawil - Both Khaled and Pascale have been nominated for their outstanding contribution to the community and collectively working together to roll out the COVID-19 vaccinations to residents in Lake Cargelligo, Tullibigeal, Rankin Springs, Weethalle, Hillston, Condobolin, Ariah Park, West Wyalong, Ungarie, Hay, Euabalong and Euabalong West.

Narelle Hayward - Narelle has been nominated for her passionate contribution and success as a member of the Lake Cargelligo Women’s Bowling Club. Narelle won the Major Singles title over four consecutive years from 2018 -2021, an achievement not accomplished by anyone else in the 75-year history of the Lake Cargelligo Women’s Bowling Club.

Sue Nicholls – Sue’s extensive contribution to the Tottenham community has seen her nominated for an Australia Day award. She is an active member of several committees and is a tireless volunteer helper.

Geoff Chase – Geoff has been nominated for his commitment to the Tottenham community. He is a long-standing volunteer and has been an active committee member for over 50 years.

Dylan Bendall - Dylan is a talented sportsperson, who leads by example on and off the field and is dedicated to several sporting clubs and associations in Tullibigeal and beyond.

Margaret McCarten – Margaret, an enthusiastic and tireless volunteer has been a member of several committees over many years and is wholeheartedly dedicated to servicing the Lake Cargelligo community.

Council congratulates all nominees for their commitment and contribution to their communities and the broader Lachlan Shire.

For more information about the Shire’s Australia Day celebrations, please contact Executive Assistant Paula Ewing on (02) 6895 1900 or visit the Australia Day website: www.australiaday.org.au.