Media personality Catriona Rowntree has been chosen as Broken Hill’s Australia Day Ambassador for the year and will travel to the city to take part in local celebrations on January 26.
When on an assignment with Channel 9 travel program Getaway 15 years ago, the presenter says she fell in love with the town, and was eager to return, saying there’s more of the Silver City she’s keen to see and experience.
“I fell in love with Broken Hill many years ago when on a Getaway assignment. From the second you land, the personality, the energy and the unique spirit of this town wraps you up,” she said.
“When my mum mentioned that it was a long-held dream of hers to see this magical town, I kept my fingers crossed that I’d be asked to be an Ambassador, and when they did I begged to go to Broken Hill. Mum and I are only human, we want to see where Priscilla was filmed and where Mad Max did his burnouts. We just can’t wait!”
Ms Rowntree has high praise for the city’s rich history and culture, especially its creative spaces including the arts scene and its reputation as a leading location for many film and TV productions.
“As a traveller, being involved in the media, and an art lover – we have a huge Pro Hart in my in-laws kitchen – this is my kind of town,” she said.
“Broken Hill regularly makes ‘Top 10 Film Locations You Can Visit’ lists and I think that is such a credit to the locals of the town. They’re organised, great catering, heaps of accommodation, and a relaxed community. It’s such a feather in their caps.”
Recently adding pilot to her expansive list of roles that include working as a newsreader, children’s show host, and TV writing and producing, Ms Rowntree is an ambassador to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Victoria, adding, “the Broken Hill base has star quality”.
“We recently had our AGM where a few of the RFDS TV show actors turned up and raved about the thrill of working in Broken Hill and the pride they have in the local RFDS team there. They’re definitely angels on earth and I hope they know their reputation is known far and wide.”
The NSW Ambassador program is in its 33rd year, with Australia Day Council of NSW Chair, Andrew Parker, saying it’s, “one of the longest-running and most successful Australia Day programs that continues to inspire communities across the state”.
“These Ambassadors represent our true Aussie qualities, like community spirit, kindness and mateship. They will be sharing their personal stories and connecting with diverse communities across our state. Every year I am overwhelmed by the positive impact of the incredible stories each Ambassador shares,” Mr Parker added.
Broken Hill’s Australia Day Ceremony will begin on Friday, January 26 from 7.30am on the Civic Centre Plaza with a BBQ breakfast by gold coin donation to the Lions Club of Broken Hill. A flag-raising ceremony will be at 8.30am with official proceedings and Australia Day Award presentations to follow in the auditorium.
