“It’s all about the community. I’m there for them and to make the day better for them,” Young’s 2015 Australia Day ambassador Valerie Parv said.
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As everything green and gold is celebrated this Monday, the international best-selling romance novelist is looking forward to being the ambassador of a town she’s called home for four years.
It’s Valerie’s ninth year as an Australia Day ambassador but she never thought she’d spend it locally until she was nominated by council.
“It’s pretty exciting, I never thought that was do-able because I’ve been sent as far a field as Armidale,” she said.
“I just think it’s an honour because you have to be asked, you don’t just put your hand up.
“I prefer regional destinations because they’re friendlier and they can’t always get ambassadors so it’s nice to help.”
Valerie also said being selected was particularly exciting since she comes from an English migrant family.
“I’m looking forward to spending the day at home, with neighbours and friends,” she said.
“The day is about spending it with people.”
Following the 8.30am free barbecue breakfast, thanks to the Young Rotary Club, Young Shire Council and Young Red Cross, there’ll be family-fun entertainment in Carrington Park until the citizenship ceremony at 9.30am.
The official Australia Day ceremony will begin at 10am in the park, during which Valerie will give a speech.
The Australia Day awards will also be presented, including the highly anticipated Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year and Mayoral Award.
“I’m curious to see who gets Citizen of the Year because I’ve been told I’m presenting that award,” Valerie said.
As for the tree planting at 11.30am...
“Now that is something I would love to do because I’m a bit of a greenie,” she said.
Young Shire Council’s Community Recognitions Committee chairperson, Councillor Sandy Freudenstein said that Young’s Australia Day celebrations were not just for new citizens or those lucky enough to