Over a hundred of NSW's most prominent sporting personalities, cultural leaders, medical pioneers and everyday heroes will soon be visiting communities right across the state as they take on their role as 2018 Australia Day Ambassadors.
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And despite what she may think, the Nambucca has struck gold with its celebrity envoy.
Local literary legend Karly Lane is rubbing her shoulder after being tapped twice for the distinction.
“I think they made a mistake somewhere and I’m just gonna go along with it until someone works it out,” Karly said, deadpan.
I guess it sucks for everyone else – last year was Zumbo, and this year you’re stuck with me.
It’s clear the Karly Lane uses self-deprecation as a characteristically Aussie suit of armour, but her popularity is palpable, whether she likes it or not – having just released her twelfth best-selling novel.
“I think it’s just fantastic that we get to have someone local as our ambassador,” Cr Janine Reed said.
“And Karly will be wonderful.”
Last year was the first year that Karly received the honour when she dutifully represented the Riverina district.
“And I had no idea why they would want me – like, why?” Karly said.
This year, the Australia Day Committee again offered her the role and she turned them down.
Not content with a no, they persisted with the added sweetener of a local posting – to which she could barely refuse.
In fact, Karly is in such hot demand for her ambassadorial and speech-writing services that the Lions Club have nabbed her for their Gordon Park celebrations too.
“They’re getting their money’s worth I tell ya!” Karly said.
She might find her appointment bizarre but Karly has worked hard to make a living out of having her finger on the pulse of contemporary rural Australian life; if there’s anyone who knows how to celebrate the tropes of being an Aussie, it’s her.
Her message for us all, this Australia Day, is one of solidarity: to enjoy, in unity, the natural blessings bestowed upon us all here in the Nambucca.
“The world has opened up so much now that we’re not as unique as we once were,” Karly said.
“But at the same time I feel like Australia’s becoming more segregated and I don’t know how to fix it, but I’d like to think we could learn to be more tolerant.
“We’re lucky because that segregation is not so much a part of our world in the Nambucca.
“We’re incredibly special here with heritage towns like Bowraville, the pristine beaches and the Nambucca River which is an idyllic spot for our shire’s base of Macksville.
“And we should make sure we don’t lose who we are.”
Karly will give her ambassador’s address at the Nambucca Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony at Bowraville Central School on January 25, from 7pm.