Grant District Council has been successful in securing an Australia Day ambassador to attend at its awards ceremony.

Growth and Tourism manager Rebecca Perkin made the announcement at council’s January monthly meeting.

A dedicated advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, 2021 South Australian Senior of the Year Professor Richard Bruggemann will meet with Grant District award recipients.

“Professor Bruggemann has spent more than 30 years advocating for people with intellectual disabilities and their families,” Ms Perkin said.

The award winner has provided expert advice to governments and been a long-time advocate for disability services, legislation, inclusion and rights.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program sends high achieving Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day.

Ambassadors are past recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards, sportspeople, scientists, businesspeople, actors and community workers.

“We are honoured that Professor Bruggemann will attend the event and be hosted in the district,” Ms Perkin said.

Ms Perkin said Professor Bruggemann will be in the district from January 25 to 26.

Council’s award ceremony and formal brunch will be a private function.

Ms Perkin said preparations were well under way.

“All nominees have been invited to be presented with a certificate,” she said.

Official proceedings will be live streamed via council’s Facebook page and a video of the presentations will be uploaded on council’s website.

The event will open with Boandik Elder Aunty Michelle’s Welcome to Country and the Mount Gambier City Band has been invited to perform.

Council has been successful in receiving a $10,000 grant from the Australia Day Council toward hosting its event.