Mary-Ruth Mendel named Campbelltown’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador

Experienced speech and language pathologist Mary-Ruth Mendel has been announced as the 2025 Australia Day Ambassador for the New South Wales community of Campbelltown. 

Ms Mendel is best known in early childhood education and care (ECEC) circles for her role in co-founding the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation more than 25 years ago and has been passionate about championing strong oral language and literacy in children’s early years through foundational speech pathology and quality education activities.

Ms Mendel is the author of two national early learning and Indigenous literacy programs, and is committed to supporting First Nations and Torres Strait Islander communities to strengthen their First Languages and English language and literacy skills.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mary-Ruth to Campbelltown as our Australia Day Ambassador and I look forward to hearing about her journey when she joins us at our Australia Day Awards Ceremony in Ingleburn,” Mayor of Campbelltown Darcy Lound said.

“Mary-Ruth has been dedicated to empowering people of all ages in oral language and literacy development. We’re proud to welcome her to our city.”

Ms Mendel will attend Campbelltown’s Australia Day Awards ceremony and give an address as part of the official proceedings.

Australia Day in Campbelltown

The day will begin with the announcement of the 2025 Australia Day Awards recipients during a civic ceremony hosted by Mayor Darcy Lound at the Greg Percival Community Centre, Ingleburn on Sunday 26 January.

The event will be followed by a citizenship ceremony in which 80 Campbelltown residents will receive their Australian citizenship.

A free community event will be held at Koshigaya Park from 4pm to 9pm featuring a range of live stage performances, kids’ activity stations, food vendors, showbags and free carnival rides. A spectacular fireworks display will round off the evening at 9pm.

A detailed program of what’s in store for the community event can be found on Council’s website.