Acclaimed author Barry Maitland says he feels honoured to be named Maitland’s Australia Day ambassador for 2015.
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Born in London, the author of 12 novels moved to Australia in 1984 and lives in Maitland.
He said the city was a warm and welcoming place.
“I suppose being an immigrant or a new Australian makes you very conscious of what is special about the country you’ve come to,” Mr Maitland said.
“I’m extremely honoured. I feel completely unworthy of it really.”
Mr Maitland will follow the footsteps of previous ambassadors including 2012 Paralympic and 2014 Para Commonwealth Games medallist Maddi Elliot and Tocal College principal Dr Cameron Archer.
He will deliver the city’s Australia Day address at Maitland Park in January.
“You hear people talk about Australia and sometimes you go to a new place with preconceptions and sometimes the reality is not what you thought it would be,” Mr Maitland said.
“But I have not thought that about Australia; I have always felt very much at home here.”
Maitland City Council is seeking expressions of interest from people who want to join its Australia Day committee.
The committee will promote and encourage nominations for the Australia Day awards, review the nominations and select winners.
They will also work with the mayor’s office to co-ordinate the ceremonial aspects of Australia Day.
The committee of six will include the mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, another councillor, a staff representative and three residents.
Interested people should email executive@maitland.nsw.gov.au or call 4934 9712 for a nomination form.
