Community & Business
22 January, 2026
Adventurer Nicholas Gleeson to Headline Gilgandra Australia Day Events
Gilgandra will celebrate Australia Day on Monday, January 26
The Gilgandra Shire Council has announced that world-renowned adventurer and Paralympian Nicholas Gleeson will visit the region as the official 2026 Australia Day Ambassador.
Gleeson, who lost his sight at age seven, will join the local community at Hunter Park to share his story of resilience and global exploration. The visit coincides with a program of local events designed to bring residents together in a spirit of reflection and celebration.
The day’s proceedings will begin in the Hunter Park Precinct with a community breakfast hosted by local groups. Following the breakfast, the official Australia Day Awards Ceremony will take place.
During the ceremony, Gleeson will deliver an address highlighting his journey from a blind student in Melbourne to an international athlete and mountaineer. His participation follows a career of breaking barriers, including carrying the Sydney Olympic Torch and scaling 6000 metres on Mount Everest.
Beyond his athletic feats, Gleeson is recognised for his work as a mentor and leadership facilitator. He remains a vocal advocate for people with intellectual disabilities through his work with Achieve Australia.
Residents will have the opportunity to hear about his upcoming projects, including the launch of his 2026 podcast series, Silver Lining. The series is intended to explore how hope can be found within the challenges of everyday life.
Gleeson’s visit to Gilgandra emphasises his belief that the "ultimate Aussie spirit" is found in those who give selflessly to their neighbors. His simple message to the Gilgandra community remains consistent: "he is an ordinary person who achieved his dreams, and he encourages others to do the same".
