Catriona Rowntree to make a Getaway to Cowra this Australia Day

Published on 11 January 2022

"Australia's Most Travelled Woman”, Catriona Rowntree, will be Cowra’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2022.

After completing a Diploma of Journalism, Catriona completed various stints in Sydney newsrooms and in community radio before landing her first television job in 1993 as a reporter on WonderWorld! She went on to host shows such as What's Up Doc and Triple J radio’s national Weekend Request Show, before landing the golden opportunity to roam the globe for Australia's favourite travel show, Getaway in 1996.

Since then Catriona has worked on many TV projects including the National IQ Test, Funniest Home Videos, Logies Red Carpet Arrivals and The Chopping Block. In 2006, Catriona celebrated her 10 years on Getaway by publishing the book Catriona's Australia: 100 of my favourite Aussie locations.

In addition to her TV roles, Catriona has been able to utilise her passion for community work as the Patron of the Arnotts Foundation, Ambassador for OCRF, Mission Australia and Phillip Island Penguins. In 2010, Catriona was delighted to honour her husband’s role as Chairman of the Geelong Landcare Network by becoming an Australian Landcare Ambassador and in 2012 she also become the Ambassador for Year of the Farmer.

Personally, Catriona's life completely changed when marrying Victorian farmer James Pettit in 2008 and swapping her Jimmy Choo's for RM Williams. The couple have two young boys and Catriona has welcomed all opportunities motherhood has brought, including designing an ongoing children's range of clothing with Target which has been hugely successful.

As Cowra’s local Australia Day Ambassador, Catriona will be attending many of the Australia Day celebrations scheduled for Wednesday 26 January in Cowra. In order to reach as many community members as possible, Council have engaged a production company to livestream the Australia Day service at the Cowra Civic Centre this year. Residents may also attend the service in person, but tickets are essential and can be booked in advance from the Cowra Civic Centre website at www.cowraciviccentre.com. 

Find out more about Cowra's Australia Day events here.