Australia Day

Meet Our 2024 Australia Day Ambassador for Oberon Council - Peter McLean! 

We are thrilled to introduce Peter McLean as the esteemed Australia Day Ambassador for Oberon Council in 2024.

Peter McLean is a not for profit specialist having led 6 Australian Charities in 4 sectors.  Peter is currently CEO at Bicycle NSW, an advocacy and awareness peak body creating a better riding environment for all bicycle riders.  Peter has also led the Can Too Foundation, the Rule of Law Institute of Australia, the Australian Organics Recycling Association and Keep Australia Beautiful.  Peter grew up on a rural property on the banks of the Hawkesbury Nepean River and currently lives near Camden in far south Western Sydney, he originally worked in State and Local Government before moving into the not-for-profit industry.  Government experience includes working at Warringah Council, Audit and Risk Committees as well as at National Parks and Wildlife Service.

In Peter’s time leading charities, he has successfully strengthened organisations public profiles, community engagement, financial sustainability, social impact and capabilities to reach more people with better services, support and experiences. 

Peter holds a degree in Environmental Management, a Masters in Business Administration sub-majoring in Business Law and Public Relations and Certificates in Bush Regeneration and Business Governance. Peter has enjoyed volunteering as an Australia Day Ambassador since 2012 and also enjoys volunteering and supporting local sporting clubs.   

From his strong understanding and knowledge in local government, Peter regularly advises and assists various local councils as an independent Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Member in councils across NSW.  Peter is also elected as an Independent Councillor at Camden Council.

Peter is passionate about assisting and developing effective organisations to better support the communities they serve.  

Join us in welcoming Peter McLean as our Australia Day Ambassador, and let's celebrate together the values of sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship that he embodies.

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Sports Team of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Volunteer or Volunteer Group of the Year
• Environmental Champion of the Year

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip. In contemporary Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation, and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new immigrants into the Australian community.

The meaning and significance of Australia Day have evolved over time. Unofficially, or historically, the date has also been variously named "Anniversary Day", "Invasion Day", "Foundation Day", and "ANA Day".[3] 26 January 1788 marked the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia (then known as New Holland). Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. On New Years Day 1901, the British colonies of Australia formed a Federation, marking the birth of modern Australia. A national day of unity and celebration was looked for. It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories had adopted use of the term "Australia Day" to mark the date, and not until 1994 that the date was consistently marked by a public holiday on that day by all states and territories.

In contemporary Australia, the holiday is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Australia Day Honours list and addresses from the Governor-Generaland Prime Minister. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia, unless it falls on a weekend in which case the following Monday is a public holiday instead. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies, the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia

Source: OpenCities