Gilgandra's Australia Day ambassador 2022

Ms Thomas leads a busy life - she is a mother, a two time Australian champion martial artist, published writer and speaker, as well as an ambassador for the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation.

Described as ‘enigmatic’ by Business Chicks and ‘an inspiration’ by Marie Claire Magazine; her story of triumph over violent adversity has been featured widely.

Ms Thomas is a female violence expert and founder of KYUP! Project, a grassroots campaign to empower the next generation to raise their standards and champion their safety and wellbeing. Her approach to self-worth and self-protection has inspired thousands of teens and adults to bravely break boundaries and believe in themselves.

Ms Thomas is proud to be an Australia Day Ambassador, and to visit Gilgandra to join in with the community celebrations. Gilgandra mayor Doug Batten, is delighted that Msd Thomas has taken the time to join Gilgandra for this year’s celebrations.

“Australia Day is such a special community day and an opportunity to showcase what’s great about Gilgandra,” said mayor Batten.

“With COVID impacting our town, the mouse plague and recent rains affecting harvest, our community has seen some challenges this year but we also have a lot to celebrate.

“We all have different stories to share about this country and Australia Day is an opportunity to remember how fortunate we are to live together here in Australia,” he said.

“I know that Gilgandra will put on a memorable day and having Ms Thomas here to share her story just makes it all the more special.”

Australia Day Ambassadors volunteer their time to share their Australian stories at hundreds of community events on Australia Day. These ambassadors continue to inspire communities where they become a guest of honour and participate in activities as diverse as the communities themselves.