When former Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter Damian Brown carried the national flag into the Manchester Arena for his final Commonwealth Games in 2002, he said he had never felt so proud to be Australian.
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The four-time gold medalist will serve as Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Australia Day ambassador and share his passion about the country which helped him become a humble champion.
“It is a fantastic honour,” he said.
“This is my 16th year as an Australian day ambassador and it is something I absolutely love doing – it is my favourite day during the entire year.”
Mr Brown represented Australia at three Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games.
He also competed in 12 consecutive World Championships, a world record.
Mr Brown has also experienced success beyond the arena, fulfilling the role as Australian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission chairman and executive board member from 2000 until 2004.
He is also the director of Katapult Pty Ltd, his own promotional products company which was established in 2003.
“I am excited to come to Stawell and St Arnaud and speak about what it means to represent Australia,” Mr Brown said.
“Competing under the flag is what it is all about – it is an amazing honour.
“Winning medals, standing on that podium and hearing your national anthem play in the background is special and is the reason why you work hard everyday.”
Mr Brown reminded residents to stop and forget about the daily grind on Australia Day, and reflect on what it meant to be Australian.
“It is a day to relax, a time to think about our great nation and just how lucky we are,” he said.
“Our geography, culture, people and democracy – so many people around the world would love to live here.
“It is also a time to give back to the community and visiting Stawell and St Arnaud will be a new community and a chance to mix and mingle with some new people.”
