Frank Coletta grew up in Mount Pritchard in Sydney’s south west and remembers fondly the regular family get-togethers in their big backyard for Australia Day.

Frank’s long-time partner Valeria will accompany him to Gunnedah’s Australia Day festivities, including the Australia Day Awards Dinner to be held on January 25.

Frank has spent more than 25 years in the media, firstly as a fresh-faced cadet and then award-winning journalist at Fairfax newspapers before moving to the Australian Radio Network.

Frank clocked up 11 years at Channel 10 and was a finalist for the Walkley Awards twice, and won the coveted Potter Prize. He is also an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis and Redkite.

Australia Day Committee Chair and Gunnedah Shire Councillor Ann Luke said the Australia Day Ambassador Program was a wonderful opportunity for great Australians to share their experiences and stories while celebrating with local communities.

“This is a great opportunity for the Gunnedah community to meet and gain inspiration from Australians who have achieved great things, and we feel very fortunate to be part of the Ambassador program,” Cr Luke said. 

“Gunnedah’s Australia Day Celebrations never fail to disappoint, and I look forward to spending Australia Day with Frank and his partner Valeria, and showing them how Australia Day is celebrated in our community.

 “We are excited for our 2018 program, with so many activities and events to be held across our Shire and hope the community comes together to celebrate and join in all the fun,” Cr Luke concluded.

The junior, women’s and men’s triathlon events will kick off the Australia Day festivities, followed by golfing activities, a church ceremony, Gunnedah Fire Brigade Fun, pet parade and more.

Gunnedah’s Raft and Craft race is back on again, with rafts and boats to take off from Cushan’s Reserve and finish at Cohen’s Bridge.

Tickets for the Australia Day Awards Dinner on Thursday, 25 January at the Gunnedah Town Hall are $30 and available from www.thecivic.com.au or in-person at Gunnedah Shire Council or the Visitor Information Centre.

For more information regarding the 2018 Australia Day Program contact Arts and Cultural Officer Lauren Mackley on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au