Carrathool, meet your 2025 Australia Day ambassador.

Catherine De Vrye is a powerhouse of inspiration and experience.

Catherine has been named Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year not once, but twice.

The Financial Review recognized her as one of the Top 100 Women of Influence back in 2016.

Catherine has a real knack for connecting with people, and uses her communication skills to boost morale and get people on board.

She's a bestselling author with eight books under her belt, translated into over a dozen languages. Her memoir, 'Who Says I Can't?' was even nominated for the National Biography Award.

You might also find her books like 'Good Service is Good Business' and 'Hot Lemon and Honey' on shelves.

She is an adventurer at heart. Having cycled across the Andes, trekked to Timbuktu, and swam from Europe to Asia, Catherine also had the incredible honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Catherine is also a cancer survivor and surf life saver. This just underscores her amazing personal resilience and determination.

A former IBM executive, Catherine has experience in sales, marketing, communication, and leadership development.

She even spent two years in Tokyo as the Asia Pacific HQ HR Manager.

Catherine isn't just about her career or adventures; she's about making a real difference.

She uses her speaking engagements to deliver entertaining, educational, and motivational messages.

 In other words, she’s not just going to talk at you; she's going to engage you. She's known to be authentic and easy to work with, too2.

She also has experience as a board member for a police service, and has worked for Ministers of Consumer Affairs, Education and Sport. This shows her commitment to public service. She was even involved in the 'Life: Be In It' fitness campaign.

She believes the best education is common sense, and it seems she has a unique approach that connects with people on both a personal and intellectual level.

So, Carrathool, get ready to be inspired!