Endurance swimmer, James Pittar, has been announced as the Forbes 2018 Australia Day ambassador.
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Mr Pittar is an Australian visually impaired swimmer who has conquered marathon swims around the world.
In 1998 he became the only visually impaired man to swim the English Channel.
He also swam 11 kilometres up the Turkish coast into ANZAC Cove.
This is the 20th year Mr Pittar has served as an Australia Day ambassador and he says he loves joining community celebrations for the day.
His first year as an ambassador he came to West Wyalong.
“I love going to regional communities, you meet so many different people from so many different areas,” he said.
“When you’re giving out the awards, you see how much people do for their community, and that’s really striking.
“That’s where you see the community spirit – and I think it’s really important.”
He has over the years been so inspired by the spirit evident in regional communities, especially seeing people come together on Australia Day even through years of drought and hardship.
Forbes Mayor Graeme Miller said he was very excited to welcome Mr Pittar to Forbes.
“He is truly an inspirational individual and I think the people of Forbes will warm to him,” Cr Miller said.
“We’re also hoping to coax him into the water for the Diggers Family Swim.”
Forbes’ Australia Day celebrations feature an enormous three event program beginning with the free Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park.
This will be followed by the Diggers Family Swim and lunch at the Forbes Olympic Pool before the main celebration, Australia Day on the Lake.
Australia Day on the Lake will feature fireworks, live entertainment from Gabe Middleton and Cameron Sharpe, pedal boats, amusement rides, face painting, the traditional CWA Damper Cooking Competition and food options ranging from a traditional Aussie barbecue to Greek and Vietnamese food options.
There will also be displays by community groups including the SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and Forbes Dragon Boat Club.
Residents are also being reminded that nominations for Forbes Citizen and Junior Citizen are open until January 19.
“Forbes has so many outstanding citizens and now it’s time to act to see they get the recognition they deserve,” Mayor Miller said.
Nomination forms can be found on the Forbes Shire Council website under events.
Hard copy nominations are available from Council’s office.
