Jolene Anderson is your 2023 Australia Day Ambassador

Published on 12 January 2023

Meet Jolene Anderson, celebrate the wonderful people of the shire and welcome the newest citizens to the area at Kempsey Shire Council's 2023 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.

If you have ever wondered where Jolene's desire for storytelling was ignited, it was right here in the Macleay Valley – among this community, through our beaches, mountains and rivers. She represents so many of the great aspects of the shire and despite travelling the world is still a proud Kempsey citizen.

Many may recognise Jolene. She grew up in Euroka, attending Greenhill Preschool, Kempsey South Public School and Melville High School, and was involved in the local arts through dancing and performing in plays. Or perhaps you recognise her from her success in the entertainment industry as a talented actress, dancer and singer. She has starred in television dramas All Saints and Rush, and has also presented on ABC's beloved Playschool.  

At 36, Jolene suffered a major health scare when she suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack which is also commonly called a ministroke. After the incident, doctors told her that she may be unable to get pregnant.

Jolene is now a proud mother and still feels very lucky to have grown up in the Kempsey Shire. Her family still lives here and she is a regular visitor.

Come along to the Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony on Thursday 26 January at the Slim Dusty Centre. Free brekky from 9am and ceremony from 10am.

This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW program.

Find out more Australia Day Awards