The Ambassador Program is the cornerstone of Local Australia Day experiences in the lead up to and on 26 January 2026. Our ADCSA Ambassadors help bring communities together across South Australia by supporting local events, attending ceremonies, and sharing the spirit of connection, inclusion and pride. This January 2026 our SA Ambassadors connected with 24 Councils and communities across our state from the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, Eyre Peninsula, South-East, Murray Mallee, and Mid-North –traversing nearly 9,000 km.

We extend a warm thank you to the Ambassadors for their time and commitment to connecting with communities across South Australia, and our local government members for making the Ambassadors feel so welcome.

Insights from our Ambassadors and SA Councils from January 2026 experiences –

District Council of Kimba on Ambassador Sophie Thomson –

“We absolutely loved having Sophie as our Australia Day Ambassador. She spoke beautifully, engaged genuinely with the community, and was incredibly generous with her time. Her presence added real value to our celebrations and was very well received by all who attended. Thank you to ADCSA for the opportunity to again participate in the Ambassador Program. We truly appreciate the support provided and were grateful to still be able to proceed with our event despite the extreme weather conditions impacting so many others.:

Ambassador Sophie Thomson on District Council of Kimba –

“I had a great time at Kimba and was told my speech went down well. The community seemed to love me being there.”

District Council of Robe on Ambassador Peter Cahalan –

“Peter was a wonderful Ambassador and Guest Speaker at our event. There was lots of positive feedback about his speech. He is fantastic! He has a great approach to his presentations and such a friendly man.”

Ambassador Michael O’Connell on Southern Mallee District Council

“Anne and I had an absolutely wonderful time in Pinnaroo. Our host, Max, was a terrific host. On 25 January at 5 pm Max and several other members of the Heritage and Cultural group – Glanys, David and Judith – met us the Mallee Heritage and Cultural Centre where we had a guided tour. It was informative and engaging.  Afterwards they hosted Anne and I for a dinner at the local pub. Next morning at 7.30 am, Anne and I met Max and his team as well as Barry and the Lions Club members who cooked egg and bacon sandwiches for all.  The local Mayor joined us. At about 9 the official ceremony began at which I was asked to speak for 10 – 15 minutes. On finishing my speech there was applause, cheering and whistles from the audience. Later, a member of the Lions Club approached me and stated that “it was the best Australia Day speech he had heard”. All the feedback to me and to Anne was positive, so I am pleased.”

Ambassador Ingrid Kennerley on Regional Council of Goyder

“I had a great time at the Regional Council of Goyder’s breakfast in Burra. Learnt once again it is such a small world. I have spent quite a bit of time in Burra in the past, so it was really nice to meet some of the community this time & hear first-hand their challenges. I had good feedback from my presentation which was based around my life experiences, how they may be able to apply some of that into their own. I shared my passion & advocacy for small rural communities especially the hardships of drought & the fact my own Cummins are suffering from 3 tragic fatal accidents within the last few months. I’m always honest, raw & a open book which people seem to relate to. I always come home feeling empowered so thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this.”

Featured Image – ADCSA Ambassador Sophie Thomson and Mayor Dean Johnson, District Council of Kimba.

Photographer acknowledgements for Ambassador photos 

Norwood Payneham & St Peters: @cityofnpsp  

Robe: Go Fish Social