Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP has been announced as Ararat Rural City’s 2023 Australia Day ambassador.
Martha Haylett was elected as the member for Ripon in November 2022 and believes in striving to build a fairer community for everyone. Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Martha was an affordable housing advocate and champion for inclusive communities.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong said Council was honoured to have Ms Haylett MP attending in Ararat.
“Australia Day Ambassadors generously share their stories and participate in a range of community activities, including the presentation of Australia Day awards,” Cr Armstrong said.
“We are honoured to have Ms Haylett participate in the official Australia Day ceremonies and present the awards to our community. The awards are an opportunity to honour individuals or groups who continue to make a difference in our local communities over the past year.
“Martha is a great role model for the younger generations - her passion and commitment to serving rural and regional communities is inspiring. I look forward to hearing her share her story with us all.
“Council encourages residents and visitors to come hear Martha speak at Alexandra Oval Community Centre next Thursday and join in a range of celebrations held across the municipality on Australia Day.”
Martha is proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador and join in with the community celebrations in Ararat.
“It is an honour and privilege to be selected as Ararat Rural City Council’s 2023 Australia Day Ambassador,” said Ms Haylett
“Australia Day is a time to come together to learn more about our true history and pay respect to the stories and contributions of Australians who lived, worked and fought for the values and freedoms we often take for granted.
“It is also a day to reflect on our past and the 65,000 years of history and continuous culture that thrived on this land before European settlement.”
“My Australian story, like so many others, is one of migration. As the daughter of an English emigrant and the great-great-granddaughter of Scots and Irishmen who settled in this region in the 1850s, I am so proud of those who came before me and the sacrifices they made for me to call this great nation home.”
“Ararat is a special place, filled with some of the best people you’ll ever meet. I am humbled to represent this community and other parts of the Shire in the Parliament of Victoria,” she concluded.
Come along and hear from Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Martha Haylett MP as she joins Ararat Rural City for our Australia Day Celebrations at Alexandra Oval Community Centre from 9.00 am. More information can be found on Council’s website www.ararat.vic.gov.au
Australia Day Program 2023 (Thursday 26 January)
9:00am-10:00am Lions Club complimentary breakfast
9.30am-10.00am Ararat City Band
10.00am -11.00am Australia Day Awards Ceremony at Alexandra Oval Community Centre
11.00am-11:20am Citizenship Ceremony at Alexandra Oval Community Centre
11:20am-11:30am Affirmation Ceremony at Alexandra Oval Community Centre
12:00pm onwards Afternoon celebrations continue at Alexandra Gardens, Lake Bolac, Ararat and Willaura Outdoor pools (free entry).