For Immediate Release Friday 24 January 2025
Authorised by Anthony O’Reilly
Update – 2025 Australia Day Ambassadors
Preparations are in full swing for the Australia Day celebrations in the Hilltops Region. Two ambassadors are scheduled to visit the area, contributing their time to assist residents and visitors in commemorating this annual event.
Hilltops Council is delighted to share that Executive Officer of the Australian Organics Recycling Association and former NSW CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful, Mr Peter McLean will be on hand in Harden and Wombat while award-winning journalist and presenter Mr Michael Tomalaris will be in Young. Unfortunately, an Australia Day ambassador was unavailable to attend Boorowa in 2025 however we do look forward to welcoming an ambassador back to Boorowa in 2026.
Mr Peter McLean – Harden and Wombat
Peter recently joined the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) as their Executive Officer and is the former NSW CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful.
Growing up on a rural property on the banks of the Hawkesbury Nepean River and currently living near Camden in far south-Western Sydney, Peter has a background in local government including working at Warringah Council while his state government experience includes working for National Parks and Wildlife Service before moving into the not-for-profit sector in 2004 joining Keep Australia Beautiful NSW.
In his 11 years at Keep Australia Beautiful, Peter managed litter reduction campaigns and various community development programs like Tidy Towns before becoming CEO in 2007 where he successfully strengthened the organisation’s public profile, community achievements and financial sustainability.
Peter holds a degree in Environmental Management, a Master’s in Business Administration (sub-majoring in Business Law and Public Relations) and Certificates in Bush Regeneration and Business Governance. He also enjoys volunteering as an Australia Day Ambassador each year and is the President of the Macarthur Cycling Club.
From his strong understanding and knowledge in local government, Peter regularly advises and assists various local councils on a variety of issues including social, environmental practices and financial management.
Peter is passionate about supporting an effective nutrient cycle and ensuring that our soils thrive – healthy soils mean healthy people, environments, and economies.
Mr Michael Tomalaris – Young
For up to 30 years, award-winning journalist and presenter Michael Tomalaris was the face of world cycling for SBS Television. He covered and hosted the Tour de France on location from 1996 to 2021.
Michael’s contribution to the coverage of world cycling was recognised in 2011 when he won the Australian Sports Commission Media Award for Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual. That same year, he delivered one of the biggest moments in Australian sport when Cadel Evans became the first, and only, Australian to win the Tour de France, presenting the occasion with the professionalism and emotion it demanded.
With over 30 years’ experience as a sports journalist, Michael reported on the world’s biggest events, including the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, the Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta, and the Tour Down Under. In addition to covering the busy international sporting calendar, Michael served as a senior journalist and presenter for SBS World News.
His career reached its pinnacle when he was awarded a Knighthood by the French Republic for his services in promoting France to Australian television audiences.
Michael is known for his supreme knowledge of cycling, expert analysis, and infectious passion he brings to his commentary and reporting. He has also earned recognition for his polished style as a news presenter.
Since retiring from broadcasting, Michael has devoted his time to cycling and playing an active role as a cycling advocate, encouraging as many people as possible to experience the thrill of the two-wheeled machine.
For more information about our Ambassadors and Australia Day celebrations in the Hilltops visit: https://www.hilltops.nsw.gov.au/community/australia-day/
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Media enquiries – Hilltops Council 1300 445 586