Preparations are in full swing for the 2026 Australia Day celebrations in the Hilltops Region.
Three distinguished ambassadors will visit the area, volunteering their time to help residents and visitors commemorate this important national event.
The National Australia Day Council recruits hundreds of Australia Day Ambassadors who generously give their time to attend ceremonies across the country, inspiring pride and celebration in local communities.
Hilltops Council is pleased to announce the following ambassadors: Ms Mel Thomas – Visiting Boorowa Mr Khushaal Vyas – Visiting Harden Mr Warwick Nowland – Visiting Young Mr Khushaal Vyas – Harden Khushaal Vyas is a respected human rights lawyer, social commentator and not-for-profit leader whose work champions fairness, inclusion and opportunity for young Australians.
A finalist in the 2025 Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards, Khushaal has built a career dedicated to protecting vulnerable workers and amplifying diverse voices. Specialising in employment law, he advocates for young people facing unfair dismissal, underpayment, workplace exploitation and sexual harassment.
He regularly travels to regional communities in NSW and the Northern Territory to deliver outreach programs and legal education. Khushaal is also a prominent voice in public discourse, contributing commentary on law reform, social justice and diversity to leading publications including the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC, The Guardian, Crikey, Pedestrian and Indian Link.
His advocacy reflects a deep belief in the power of dialogue and representation to drive systemic change.
As an Australia Day Ambassador, Khushaal celebrates the values of fairness, diversity and community. For him, Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on the strength of our multicultural identity and inspire young Australians to speak up, stand together and shape a future built on equality and respect.
When asked, “What makes you proud to be Australian or what is the ultimate show of ‘Aussie spirit’ or ‘mateship’ for you?” Khushaal answered: “Australian generosity. I remember growing up and seeing Australia take the lead in donating and rebuilding in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami. It’s something we see time and again during bushfires, COVID, floods – everything. Where adversity often tears people apart, the heart of Australia is on show during our most trying times. That’s what makes us special.”
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