The Liverpool Plains farmer grew up on a property near Armidale and is the first female to elected to lead the NFF in its 40-year history.

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Mrs Simson is now leading industry through a period of change and is passionate about the growth and sustainability of rural and regional Australia and agriculture's role in its future.

She has created opportunities for more women and young people to become involved in industry, and was instrumental in the launch of the NFF's first Diversity in Ag Leadership Program in 2018.

Mrs Simson wears many hats - she chairs the recently established Future Food Systems CRC and is commissioner and chair of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. She is also a director on the Boards of Australian Made Australian Grown, and NRMA (NSW), and is has taken up the role of patron of the National Rural Press Club and Gunnedah Gatepost Community Support Centre.

The farmer will speak as the guest of honour at Gunnedah's Australia Day Awards Dinner on January 25 in the town hall.

Read more: Nominations open for Gunnedah shire Australia Day Awards

Gunnedah Shire Council's Colin Formann said he was delighted Mrs Simson was on board and encouraged the local community to come together on January 26.

"I'm really excited to have Fiona Simson as our Australia Day Ambassador. She has been an impressive advocate for the agricultural industry and in particular women in agriculture, and I am looking forward to meeting her and hearing her story at the awards dinner," Mr Formann said.

"It's fantastic to have an ambassador with a strong connection to our local region, who is passionate about rural people and issues and is now helping inspire the next generation of industry leaders."

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