She admits to never visiting either town before, coming only as close as Griffith and Leeton so far.
But she’s keen to explore, and share with the local community.
As a sixth generation Australian, Lyndey defines Australia Day as “celebrating the country we live in as well as celebrating what binds us together instead of what divides us.”
“We need to respect the past and that we are all able to have different opinions,” she said.
“It’s a day where our views should be celebrated both differences as well as similarities.
“It was very early on when I discovered indigenous ingredients when they were not popular in a little restaurant called Edna’s Table.
“I believe in reconciliation through food, is one way to show a willingness to learn about culture.
“I’m looking forward to my role as ambassador and I hope that everyone will come up to me and say hello.”
This year is Lyndey’s 21st consecutive year as an Australia Day ambassador, which she said makes her 2023 visit to the Murrumbidgee Council region “even more special”.
“I always request an event in a regional area and find smaller communities put their heart and soul into it and make so much effort, it’s fabulous,” she said.
Lyndey has been instrumental in changing the way Australians relate to food and wine for over 30 years both on television, radio and in print.
She has had nine best selling cookbooks, has been involved in nine television series’, is a former director of the Australian Women’s Weekly, and is the creative director of Flame Media.
Among many other hats she wears, Lyndey has a wonderful ability to connect with a diverse audience.
“I always meet characters when I visit the bush and love experiencing the land, the communities and of course the food and wine of the regions.
“In learning about the region I can carry that forward in my role as an ambassador.”
Murrumbidgee’s Australia Day program, by town, are as follows:
Coleambally:
The ceremony will begin at 8am at John McInnes Square, in Brolga Place, Coleambally.
The event will include the presentation of Australia Day Awards and addresses by Ms Milan and Cr McRae.
A free breakfast will also be provided.
In the days that follow, the Brolga Hotel Six-A-Side Australia Day 2023 Championship cricket match will be played.
It will take place from 9am on Sunday, January 29 at the No 1 and 2 sports ovals on Falcon Street Coleambally.
Darlington Point:
Starting at midday at the CWA Park in Carrington Street, the Darlington Point ceremony will also include the presentation of Australia Day Awards and addresses from Ms Milan and Cr McRae.
A free barbecue lunch will also be held.
An Australia Day Summer Break Pool Party will take place at the Darlington Point War Memorial Swimming Pool between midday and 3pm.
Funded by a NSW Government grant, there will be free pool entry, free giant slip and slide, prizes, free sausage sizzle, fruit boxes and Zooper Doopers.
Jerilderie:
Jerilderie’s Australia Day celebrations are held in the evening, and include a traditional fireworks display to close out the day.
The fun starts from 6.30pm at Luke Park.
There will be free entertainment and a barbecue, while the formal ceremony will include Australia Day Awards and an address by Cr McRae.
The fireworks will be from about 9.45pm.
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