Cowra 2025 Australia Day Ambassador has special Cowra connection
Published on 15 January 2025
Cowra Council is thrilled to welcome Veteran, Gold Medallist and Mental Health Advocate, Ben Farinazzo as the Shire’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador.
“Ben’s journey from serving in the Australian Defence Force to overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit,” said Chair of the Cowra Australia Day Committee, Cr Nikki Kiss OAM.
“Ben’s family also has a direct connection to Cowra and the Erambie Mission, making this visit all the more special,” Cr Kiss continued.
“I’m really excited about returning to Cowra with my lovely Mum, Yvonne and attending the Australia Day Service and community events this year,” Ben said.
“Cowra holds a special place in our family’s history. Mum and her siblings spent part of their childhood at the mission in the late 1950s when my Grandfather and Nana were running it. It will be very special to visit with Mum and bring back many memories,” said Ben.
Ben’s story is truly an inspirational one. Following a decade in the Australian Defence Force, Ben successfully transitioned to a civilian career and held several senior executive, CEO and board roles in Australia and offshore.
In 2015, he suffered significant mental and physical challenges, being diagnosed with chronic and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. His recovery was complicated when a horrific mountain biking accident left him with significant physical injuries including multiple broken bones in his neck and back.
Over the next three years he learnt basic motor functions, techniques to manage his mental health and ways to reconnect with the world. He then began to train harder and lift heavier before going on to represent Australia at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, winning two gold medals in indoor rowing and achieved a personal best in men’s heavy weight powerlifting.
Following his return home, Ben received the honour of being appointed as an Ambassador for Australia Day. He is an Ambassador for Lifeline and Soldier On Australia and continues to be a passionate advocate for mental health, wounded veterans and the healing power of sport.
Ben will deliver an address at the Australia Day Service at 9.00am at Cowra Civic Centre on Sunday 26 January 2025. Presentations of 2025 Cowra Australia Day Awards and School Literary Awards will be included in the annual ceremony. A free breakfast will be provided by the Rotary Club of Cowra from 8.00am and morning tea catered by the Inner Wheel Club of Cowra will follow the service. Read the full program here.
Ben will also be the guest speaker at the Australia Day Luncheon at Club Cowra at 12.30pm on Sunday 26 January 2025, hosted by the CWA of NSW – Cowra Evening Branch. Tickets are $30 and available at Club Cowra or online.
Ends
Caption: Veteran, Gold Medallist and Mental Health Advocate, Ben Farinazzo will be the Ambassador and guest speaker at Cowra’s 2025 Australia Day Ceremony.