Conductor, composer and musical arranger, George Ellis, will be the Australia Day ambassador for the Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

George Ellis, 61, is an Australian conductor, composer and orchestrator. He presents concerts for international events with a broad range of styles from classical to pop/rock and jazz as well as presenting orchestral concerts for young audiences.

Australia Day ambassadors are inspirational Australians who demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields, from a variety of backgrounds, invited each year to speak about what it truly means to be Australian at community events across NSW.

They are role models and leaders who make positive and significant contributions to their communities, NSW and the nation.

Since its inception more than three decades ago, the Australia Day ambassador program has grown to become one of the longest-running and most successful national Australia Day programs. The NSW Australia Day Ambassador program is the largest in the country with a cohort of more than 100 ambassadors and is now in its 36th year.

Each year the Australia Day Council of NSW selects a group of remarkable Australians to take part in local Australia Day events across NSW to tell uplifting stories of their personal journeys, share knowledge and insights from their extraordinary achievements, and speak about what it truly means to be Australian.

These handpicked ambassadors immerse themselves in the communities they visit, celebrate the country’s diverse culture, promote community spirit, encourage participation and inspire national pride.

These high-achieving individuals generously volunteer their time and energy to travel to all corners of the state to support Australia Day ceremonies and festivities on January 26.

They take part in a variety of events to connect with communities and encourage locals to come together on Australia Day to reflect, respect, and celebrate the Australian spirit.

Whatever their engagement with the individual events, ambassadors become part of the community, sharing in their kindness and hospitality, learning their stories, taking their experiences to the people they meet to help shine a light on these communities and regions.

Participating ambassadors and local government areas have both seen an increase from 2025, a testament to the way NSW communities and residents are honouring the nation’s national day in a way that is meaningful to them.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us,” Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said.

“Our shared values. Our diversity. The spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian.

“It is wonderful to see so many inspiring individuals volunteering their time to support Australia Day 2026 in NSW communities. The breadth of their collective achievements is truly remarkable.

“The Australia Day Ambassador program and the sheer volume of local events planned across the state are a reminder of how strong our sense of community in NSW truly is.”