In 2017, Amar Hadid became the first person in the world to receive a scholarship for skateboarding, thanks to the University of Sydney’s Elite Athlete Program.

On the skateboard, her determination, diligence and talent have seen her dazzle the skateboarding world at competitions across Australia and in the US, China, Brazil and Sweden.

Off the skateboard, the proud Lebanese-Australian Muslim woman, is a passionate advocate for the equality of men and women in sport, the promotion of skateboarding and community cohesion.

On Friday 26 January, the Camden area will welcome the accomplished 25-year-old as its official 2024 Australia Day Ambassador.

“I feel so very honoured to be given the role of being Camden’s Australia Day Ambassador, and I’m looking forward to spending Australia Day with the Councillors, special guests, and people of the community,” Ms Hadid said.

“Australia Day is about celebrating the values that we all share, reflecting on what it means to be Australian while celebrating contemporary Australia, as well as acknowledging and celebrating our history. And not forgetting people lived on this continent for over 40,000 years.

“I have always believed that being Australian is about unity of all our backgrounds. I feel Australian with all those who identify and respect our collective community and strive to encourage one another to be better at what we do and develop further amazing Australian stories.”

As Camden’s Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Hadid will give a speech at Camden Council’s Civic Event and take part in the Macarthur Lions Street Parade.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said she was excited to welcome Ms Hadid to the Camden area.

“Ms Hadid is an inspiration to our country and community,” she said.

“What she has accomplished by excelling in a male-dominated sport sends a message to our young girls that if they dream and work just as hard, they too can achieve anything.

“Ms Hadid exemplifies everything it is about being Australian – to give it a go, to advocate for equality and to help break down barriers to unite us all as Australians.

“Camden Council is so proud to have Ms Hadid as our Australia Day Ambassador.”

To find out more about Camden Council’s Australia Day event, visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/annual-signature-events/australia-day-2024.