Mr Bray will be front and centre at the Shire’s Australia Day events in Gunning, Crookwell and Taralga, joining Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mayor Brian McCormack OAM in presenting the 2018 local Australia Day Awards.

Mr Bray is a sports commentator and journalist. He began his career as a Specialist Trainee with ABC Sport in Sydney in 1969. After completing his cadetship he was despatched to Hobart for a four year stint and initially called Aussie Rules.

Towards the end of his Tasmanian posting he won selection in the ABC’s team at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and has since covered ten Olympic Games – the first in 1976 as the youngest member of the Combined Australian Television Team. He called the yachting regatta for radio and television and at the start of the Games presented the first ever live colour sports transmission to Australia. Later that year Mr Bray paid his fare to France with the Wallabies and called both rugby internationals live to Australia on ABC Radio.

When ABC colleague Norman May retired from TV rugby commentary in 1980 Mr Bray stepped into the role and over the next four decades became known as Australia’s ‘Voice of Rugby’. He has now called around 450 test matches since 1976.

He is both author and editor of six books on Rugby including best sellers From The Ruck and The Australian Rugby Companion.

Mr Bray is a Member of the Order of Australia for services to sports broadcasting, rugby union and the community. In 2000 he was awarded a Prime Minister’s Sports Medal. He is also a past recipient of a Penguin Award for Best Sports Presenter.

The following Australia Day events will be held in the Shire:

Gunning: 8.00am – 9.45am at Barbour Park, Yass Street, Gunning. BBQ breakfast and Citizen of the Year Awards presentation.

Crookwell: 8.00am – 12.00pm at Crookwell Memorial Park, Robertson Street, Crookwell. BBQ breakfast, listen to live music, play games and see Citizen of the Year Awards presentation.

Taralga: 12.00 noon – 1.00pm at Taralga Showgrounds, Bannaby Road, Taralga. The Australia Day Celebrations are part of the Taralga Rodeo and include the Citizen of the Year Awards presentation.

Cr McCormack urged all Shire residents to come along to this year’s Australia Day festivities.

“Australia Day is a time to celebrate our great nation and honour our unsung heroes for their outstanding contributions to the local community,” Cr McCormack said.

“I encourage all residents to take part in their nearest Australia Day event as we celebrate what is great about Australia and our wonderful community.”

For more information about the Shire’s Australia Day celebrations, please contact the Crookwell Visitor Information Centre on 4832 1988 or visit the Australia Day website: www.australiaday.org.au.