As we approach January 26, the Back Country Bulletin is proud to spotlight the remarkable Australians heading to the Back Country.

From world-class athletes to high-altitude mountaineers, the 2026 Australia Day Ambassadors bring a wealth of inspiration to our local ceremonies in Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling.

Here is your guide to who is visiting our region:-

Balranald Shire Council: Ms. Isabella (Bella) Bain

Balranald is set to welcome a powerhouse of innovation and resilience. Isabella Bain is the 2025 NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year and a world-class athlete.

Who she is: A multi-talented designer, STEM advocate, and co-founder of Ambient and Co, known for award-winning light installations at festivals like Vivid Sydney.

Achievements: Beyond her professional success in human-centred design at IBM and Macquarie Group, Bella is a five-time World Champion in Dragon Boating.

The Inspiring Bit: Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in recent years, she has become a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusion.

Carrathool Shire Council: Mr. Sam Bramham OAM

The celebrations at Rankins Springs Hall will be headlined by one of Australia’s most charismatic Paralympians, Sam Bramham.

Who he is: A legendary Australian Paralympic swimmer and media personality.

Achievements: Sam made a splash on the world stage at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games, ultimately claiming two Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze medal. He broke the world record for the 100m Butterfly and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services to sport.

The Inspiring Bit: Known for his larrikin spirit and motivational storytelling, Sam is a master at teaching others how to turn disability into an ability through humour and grit.

Central Darling Shire Council: Mr. Andrew Lock OAM

In the far west, Central Darling will be visited by a man who has quite literally stood on top of the world. Andrew Lock is Australia’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineer.

Who he is: An elite climber and the first Australian to scale all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks (the highest mountains on Earth).

Achievements: Andrew’s feat is so rare that more people have been into space than have accomplished what he has. He has survived avalanches, extreme frostbite, and the mountainous Death Zone to document the world's most brutal environments.

The Inspiring Bit: Awarded the OAM for his contribution to mountaineering, Andrew brings a message of extreme perseverance and risk management..

Hay Shire Council: Mr. Ron Delezio

The addition of Ron Delezio will deliver a level of national inspiration to the ceremony at the Hay Gaol.

Who he is: A dedicated father, humanitarian, and co-founder of the Day of Difference Foundation. He is perhaps best known to the public as the father of Sophie Delezio, whose survival following two horrific accidents captured the heart of the nation.

Achievements: Since founding the Day of Difference Foundation in 2004, Ron has helped raise over $14 million to support critically injured children and their families. His work has funded vital medical equipment and research into paediatric clinical care across Australia.

The Inspiring Bit: Ron is a former NSW Citizen of the Year and Australian Father of the Year. He speaks candidly about resilience, overcoming depression, and the power of "going that little bit further" when life presents unimaginable challenges.