Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to announce Christine Nixon APM, as the Australia Day Ambassador for the official 2020 Southern Grampians Shire Australia Day Celebrations on 26 January.
As the former Commissioner of Victoria Police, Christine was accountable for 14,000 staff, more than 500 stations and an annual budget of $1.7 billion during her time in the role. Her legacy in the position was a decrease in Victoria’s crime rate, a proactive response against corruption among senior police officials and a cultural overhaul of the organisation that saw the attrition rate decline from 7% per annum to less than 3%.
Following the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, Christine oversaw the largest recovery and rebuilding operation Victoria had ever undertaken. Under her leadership, the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority worked with communities, businesses, charities, local councils and other governmental departments to help people and communities recover and rebuild.
Christine is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Police Management, the Australian Institute of Management and the Institute of Public Administration Australia. Christine is a member of Monash University Council and chair of Good Shepherd Microfinance and Monash College.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Chris Sharples said Council are honoured to have Christine as the Shire’s Australia Day ambassador for 2020.
“Christine has dedicated her career to serving our Victorian community, playing a pivotal role in assisting people during times of emergency and when communities most need support.
“Christine will be without doubt, an inspiring ambassador with a wealth of experience to share. I look forward to having her join us for our Australia Day celebrations and hearing her share her story with us all,” Cr Sharples said.
The Australia Day Ambassador program sends high achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day. Ambassadors are sportspeople, scientists, businesspeople, actors and community workers who provide added inspiration and pride to Australia Day events and activities. The Australia Day Ambassador Program is coordinated by Australia Day Councils and Committees in each state and territory.
Hamilton’s Australia Day celebrations will take place at the Botanic Gardens from 10:30am and will include flag-raising, musical performances by local artists, citizenship ceremony, presentation of the Australia Day awards and a free BBQ by the Hamilton Lions Club.
The Greater Hamilton community will host a number of Australia Day events across the region on Australia Day. Visit www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au for more information and details on other Australia Day celebrations taking place across the Shire.
Media Enquiries:
Alison Quade
0429601208
aquade@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au