Published on Wednesday, 15 January 2020 at 3:42:25 PM
Geraldton holds a special place in Doctor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker’s heart and it’s not just because of her relatives that live locally but because she met her husband here 31 years ago.
Recently announced as the visiting 2020 Australia Day Ambassador for Geraldton and Mullewa, Doctor Kickett-Tucker can usually be found around the Curtin University campus as a Research Fellow or at one of the basketball courts in the Swan Valley coaching youngsters and teaching them life skills.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was looking forward to welcoming Cheryl back to the region.
“We are really excited to have Cheryl as our 2020 Australia Day Ambassador and look forward to showing her around Geraldton and Mullewa,” he said.
“Australia Day is about coming together as a nation and celebrating our cultural diversity and beautiful country.
“We hope to see the community enjoying the many free activities and entertainment options at the Geraldton Foreshore.”
Australia Day Ambassador Doctor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker said she couldn’t wait to meet and catch up with the people of Geraldton and Mullewa.
“It’s been quite a while since I visited Geraldton, the last time being when I met my husband at a basketball tournament, so I’m looking forward to spending a few days there and also visiting Mullewa where I have some relatives,” she said.
“Some of the messages I’m looking forward to sharing are how important it is to recognise the strengths, passions and capabilities of all Australians.
“A community is stronger and happier when all members are treated with kindness and empathy.”
Doctor Kickett-Tucker has a long list of honours to her name including being a Wadjuk traditional owner, Author, Founder of Kaat, Koort and Hoops (translated as Head, Heart and Hoops), playing in the Women’s National Basketball League for several seasons, completing a PHD at Edith Cowan University as well as Founding Pindi Pty Ltd Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Wellbeing. Cheryl was also honoured as Western Australia’s 2019 Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards.
Opening the Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club Open Water Swim Challenge, visiting Mullewa for the Australia Day WA Active Citizen of the Year Awards and presenting the certificates to new Australians at the Citizenship Ceremony in Geraldton are just some of the things Doctor Kickett-Tucker will get up to.
More information about the Australia Day celebrations in Geraldton and Mullewa are available here.
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