JCU professor honoured with Australia Day role

James Cook University’s Professor Peter Leggat AM has been named as a 2017 Australia Day Ambassador for Queensland.

He is one of 42 Queenslanders selected for the Ambassadors’ Program.

Ambassadors are high-achieving, inspirational Queenslanders from diverse fields and backgrounds, and travel throughout the state to attend local council celebrations on Australia Day. They help to capture the spirit of Australia Day by encouraging communities across Queensland to come together and celebrate Australia’s national day.

Professor Leggat, who is based in Townsville, is currently Head of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at JCU.

Professor Leggat travels today to Gayndah and will be hosted by the North Burnett Regional Council. He will assist Mayor Councillor Rachel Chambers and other officials in Gayndah present local Australia Day Awards, as well as giving an Australia Day Address.

Gayndah is regarded as the oldest town in Queensland; officially Gazetted in 1849 and noting that the colony at Brisbane was not proclaimed a Municipality until 1859. It is situated on the Burnett River about 110 km west of Maryborough. The surrounding area has extensive cropping and grazing. While its oranges and mandarins are famous and are an export commodity, there are a number of scenic national parks and State Forests in the vicinity.

“This is the fourth successive year I have been asked to be an Ambassador and I did not hesitate to agree once again,” Professor Leggat said.

“I am looking forward to joining the people of Gayndah and the North Burnett Region to celebrate our national day and also to thank them for their contribution to JCU, especially through health placements and workforce development.”

Professor Leggat said he was initially approached by the Department of Premier and Cabinet in the Queensland Government to participate and they matched him with his host Council.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program was established in 1990.

For more information about the Australia Day Ambassador Program visit:

www.australiaday.org.au/about-australia-day/ambassador/