Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce that two Australia Day Ambassadors will visit the Parkes Shire as part of 2026 Australia Day: Dr Skye Charry and Adjunct Associate Professor HY William Chan.
The first Australia Day Ambassador visiting the Parkes Shire in 2026 is Dr Skye Charry, a nationally recognised authority on workplace sexual harassment, gender equity and rural culture.
Raised in central western New South Wales, Dr Charry brings a deep understanding of rural life to her work and advocacy. She is the author of Whispers from the Bush: The Workplace Sexual Harassment of Australian Rural Women - the first book of its kind in Australia - which inspired the acclaimed documentary Grace Under Fire.
Dr Charry is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of New England and co-founder of S.A.C. Consulting Australia, delivering cultural reviews and gender equity programs to government, industry and education sectors nationwide. Her expertise has informed major initiatives including the Australian Human Rights Commission's Respect@Work report, and she has led federally funded projects addressing gender equity in industries such as forestry, meat and seafood.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said Council was delighted to welcome two Australia Day Ambassadors again in 2026.
"We are thrilled to host two Australia Day Ambassadors in 2026, allowing us to extend representation across multiple townships and ensure more of our community can share in these celebrations," Mayor Westcott said.
"Dr Charry's strong connection to the Central West, combined with her advocacy for fairness, respect and community, makes her a fitting Ambassador for Australia Day."
Dr Charry will attend the Australia Day ceremony in Parkes.
The second Australia Day Ambassador visiting the Parkes Shire in 2026 is Adjunct Associate Professor HY William Chan, an award-winning architect and global sustainability leader shaping the cities and communities of the future.
A first-generation Australian, Associate Professor Chan has contributed to some of Australia's most transformative projects across public spaces, social housing, transport infrastructure and community development. His work has received recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects, Good Design Australia and the Sustainability Awards, and has been showcased internationally at major design biennales and exhibitions.
He made history as the youngest-ever Lord Mayoral Councillor elected in the City of Sydney, where he chaired portfolios spanning environment, planning, heritage, transport and active mobility. His civic leadership helped introduce Australia's first planning controls for net-zero operational buildings and Sydney's award-winning Urban Forest Strategy.
A passionate advocate for environmental action and inclusion, Associate Professor Chan has served as Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, is an expert reviewer for the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and represents more than 13,000 municipalities globally through executive roles with the Global Covenant of Mayors and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. He is also a UNICEF Young Ambassador and a mentor to emerging professionals through his academic work at UTS.
Mayor Westcott said Associate Professor Chan's story reflected many of the values celebrated on Australia Day.
"William's personal journey, civic leadership and commitment to sustainability and inclusion make him an inspiring Ambassador," he said.
"His passion for welcoming new citizens and celebrating the diversity of our communities aligns strongly with the spirit of Australia Day."
Associate Professor Chan will attend Australia Day ceremonies in Trundle and Bogan Gate.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend any of the Australia Day events being held across the Parkes Shire.
The 2026 Parkes Shire Australia Day program will be available to download later this week. Visit: Australia Day 2026 Parkes Shire Council
