Samoda Silva

Samoda Silva

Recipient Award for Leadership in Languages and Cultures 2021

Samoda is a university student studying Law/Media and Italian, a first-generation migrant of Sri Lankan background and an active contributor to her local community. Samoda has demonstrated effective leadership through presidency roles with community organisations including Muthuhara Adelaide.  

Her dedication and tireless efforts to promote Sri Lankan language and culture are demonstrated by her involvement in hosting, editing, and recording several Sri Lankan television and radio programs such as Adelaide Lakhanda and Vishvavahini. Samoda is passionate about advocating for an inclusive and diverse Australia and promoting multicultural understanding and awareness.  

Furthermore, Samoda speaks four languages; English, Sinhala, Italian and Japanese, which in combination made her the recipient of the 2021 Australia Day Council Leadership in Languages Award. Samoda was also a recipient of the Order of Australia Association Student Citizenship Award in 2020 for her contributions to her school and local community.  

Samoda is incredibly humbled and fortunate to be an Australia Day Ambassador. She hopes to use this opportunity to engage with the inspiring people of South Australia and promote the understanding of what Australia Day should all be about, reflecting on and recognising Australia’s past, and shaping its future and what it means to be Australian. 

Meet our Ambassadors

Nasir Hussain

Diversity Advocate & President of Muslim Australian Connections of South Australia

Since migrating to Australia in 2006, Nasir has devoted himself to building bridges between Muslims and the wider Australian society.

Dr Felicity-ann Lewis

Community Leader & 2014 SA Australian of the Year

A dedicated, dynamic leader, Dr Felicity-ann Lewis is passionate about creating a better, healthier, more inclusive Australia

Chris Schacht

Former Senator & President of Volleyball Australia

Chris is a former President of the Australian Volleyball Federation and an elected representative to the Legal Commission of the “Federation Internationale de Volleyball”. He is also a board member of numerous worthwhile organisations.

Pat Rix

South Australian Local Hero, 2007

A respected artistic director with significant experience creating collaborative community and mainstage productions in South Australia, the United States and Southeast Asia.
Professor Jennifer McKay AM

Professor Jennifer McKay AM

Professor - Business, Law and Environment

Professor Jennifer McKay AM is an academic lawyer with a passion for research to celebrate some but reform other laws to achieve a sound and clean environment for future generations.
Christine Robertson

Christine Robertson OAM

Co-founder of Lost Pets of South Australia, Creator of Chipblitz program & SA State Recipient Local Hero 2023

Christine co-founded the Lost Pets of South Australia charity in 2013 to reunite lost pets with their families. The volunteer organisation uses social media and its connections with the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups to get lost animals back home.
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