BALRANALD Shire Council has received a large number of nominations for their Australia Day awards.
Ceremonies will be held in both Balranald and Euston, with special guest Michelle Leonard OAM speaking at both ceremonies.
Ms Leonard is the founder and artistic director of not-for-profit Moorambilla Voices, assisting underprivileged children in rural areas to gain access to music education.
Balranald Shire Council general manager Michael Kitzelmann said council was grateful for the response for nominees from the community.
"They are high achievers and give their valuable time for the benefit of not only the Balranald Shire Council community," Mr Kitzelmann said.
"But, also for those that give their valuable time for the benefit of our neighbours and friends within the wider NSW community."
Mr Kitzelmann said the nominees this year were "highly respected".
"We look forward to making the announcements of the award recipients on Australia Day."
Balranald Shire Council mayor Alan Purtill said he was thrilled to have Ms Leonard join the community on the "important" day.
"Australia Day is such a special community day and an opportunity to showcase what's great about Balranald shire," he said.
"We all have different stories to share about this country and Australia Day is an opportunity to remember how fortunate we are to live together here in Australia.
"I know that Balranald and Euston will put on a memorable day and having Michelle Leonard here just makes it all the more special."
Cr Purtill encouraged the community to join in the celebrations.
"Let's show the rest of Australia just how great our communities are and how important being Australian is to Balranald and Euston."
The Australia Day festivities in Balranald will begin at Greenham Park Hall at 8am.
A barbecue breakfast will be served, followed by the ambassador's address and the presentation of the Australia Day awards.
The celebrations will continue over at Euston at Euston Recreation Reserve from 12.30pm.
A barbecue lunch will be served, followed by the ambassador's address and the presentation of the Australia Day awards.
Ms Leonard is one of 300 ambassadors attending a community event through the Australia Day ambassadors program.
