Warren Pearson
Warren Andrew Pearson AM (born 6 April 1966) was the Chief Executive Officer of the National Australia Day Council (NADC) from 2001 until 2012. At a 2006 luncheon at Government House, Canberra, the Governor-General of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery AC, CVO, MC, thanked Pearson and the council "for their outstanding work in making Australia Day the very special celebration it has become on the national agenda."[1] A 2012 survey showed that 93 per cent of Australians consider Australa Day to be "one of the most significant celebrations on the national calendar with over 5 million Aussies expected to attend an organised community event on January 26." Interviewed by ABC Radio, Pearson said "In Australia we don't do the big military parades, and we shouldn't, that would be alien to us. We celebrate in parks and gardens, at community barbeques, at firework displays, there's a bit of bush ballad here and citizenship ceremonies there."[2] With a background in teaching Pearson added new educational programs to celebrations organised by the council.[3] In his decade as CEO Pearson often added commentary to national discussions about the flag, anthem and Australians of the year.[4][5][6] In his Forward to John Hirst's The Australians: Insiders and Outsiders on the National Character Since 1770[7] Pearson says; "In understanding our history each of us can make a contribution to build Australia and our national character in the years ahead. Each Australia Day we invite all Australians to acknowledge the past, rejoice in our achievements and look confidently to our future."[8]
Early life[edit]
Pearson attended Newington College (1978–1983).[9] A high school drama teacher (1988–1991) he then entered the NSW Department of Education and Training as Events Manager (1992–1995) where he produced major statewide student arts events.
Public service career[edit]
Pearson then went to the City of Sydney as Cultural and City Events Manager in 1996. He moved to the Australia Day Council of NSW and managed Sydney Harbour for the Australia Day celebrations in 1997 and the following year he was appointed Arts and Events Manager.[not in citation given] As Arts and Events Manager for the Australia Day Council of New South Wales Centenary of Federation Committee, he was responsible for leading a dedicated team to deliver statewide civic and community events on a grand scale. He also held a leadership role in the management of Corroboree 2000 Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk for Reconciliation.[not in citation given] He joined the NADC in August 2001 because he believed strongly in Australia Day and wanted to play an instrumental role in encouraging Australians to celebrate our great achievements with pride on 26 January.[not in citation given] In this role he is responsible for planning Australia Day[10] celebrations and presenting the Australian of the Year and associated awards. He has a long background in community engagement, civic events and Australian identity. Pearson regularly speaks on matters of national identity, civics and citizenship, as well as on event and communications management. He was a member of the Australian Citizenship Test Review Committee in 2008.[11][12][13]
Honours[edit]
Pearson was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in 2001 for service to the Centenary of Federation celebrations in NSW.[14] In the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List he was made a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for service to the community through leadership roles with the National Australia Day Council, to the promotion of the celebration of the Australian identity and citizenship, and to reconciliation.[15]
References[edit]
- ↑ A LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF THE "AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR' FINALISTS Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Survey shows Australia day kindles national pride ABC Radio Retrieved 10 Secember 2017.
- ↑ New computer game teaching kids to embrace our style The Advertiser Retrieved 10 December.
- ↑ Unsung anthem author stood for God The West Australian Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Concertgoers ignore flag ban The Age Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ National reflectionsAustralian Geographic Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Hirst, J. B. (John Bradley) (2011), The Australians : insiders & outsiders on the national character since 1770 (2nd edition ed.), Collingwood, Vic. Black Inc, ISBN 978-1-86395-513-3CS1 maint: Extra text (link)
- ↑ The Australians: Insiders and Outsiders on the National Character Since 1770 Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 154
- ↑ Australia Day ‘most important’ for nation Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ AM for National Australia Day Council CEO Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ National Days: Constructing and Mobilising National Identity Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ Australia Day: A Day for All Australians? Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ↑ It's an Honour
- ↑ It's an Honour
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