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Professor honoured with Australia Day role
James Cook University’s Professor Peter Leggat AM, ADC, has been named as a 2023 Australia Day Ambassador for Queensland. He is one of 45 Queenslanders selected for the Ambassador Program.
The Australia Day Ambassador Program aims to capture the true spirit of Australia Day by sending high achieving Queenslanders to communities across Queensland to support their celebrations.
Professor Leggat, who is based in Townsville, is Professor in Public Health and Tropical Medicine at JCU. He will travel on Wednesday to Thursday Island and will be hosted by the Torres Shire Council.
“This is the tenth 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 Torres Strait and the Torres Shire to celebrate our national day and also to thank them for their contribution to JCU, especially through health placements and workforce development.”
Professor Leggat will participate in the Torres Shire Council’s annual Australia Day celebrations. He will then deliver an Australia Day Address and assist the Mayor and other officials in presenting Australia Day Awards.
Thursday Island is situated more than 1000 km north of Townsville. It is the administrative centre of the Torres Shire Council. Thursday Island has a number of heritage-listed sites, including military sites. Pearling and fishing contribute significantly to the local economy.
The Australia Day Ambassador Program was established in 1990.