Former shire Australia Day ambassador a NSW Australian of the Year nominee

A former Narrabri Shire Australia Day ambassador is among the NSW nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year.

Clyde Campbell AM, who was the shire’s ambassador in 2024, is a prominent Parkinson’s disease campaigner.

Mr Campbell has transformed research into Parkinson’s disease in Australia through his work with the Shake It Up Australia Foundation.

“Clyde was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 44 years old and it changed his life. It launched him on a remarkable journey of campaigning and fundraising on behalf of people living with Parkinson’s,” the Australian of the Year information reads.

Wee Waa Namoi Echo Museum on Australia Day 2024: Helen Wenner, Narrabri Shire’s Australia Day ambassador Clyde Campbell AM, president of the Wee Waa and District Historical Society and event organiser Julie Dowleans OAM, and Mr Campbell’s wife Carolyn.

“Clyde set up the Shake It Up Australia Foundation in 2011 with the goal of funding research to find improved therapies and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s. Since then, more than $40 million has been raised for 24 institutions to fund research into the disease. Clyde funds the administration costs of the organisation himself, ensuring that all donations go towards research efforts. “Clyde’s leadership and generosity of spirit have inspired a community of researchers, clinicians, donors and volunteers to work together in advancing treatments and knowledge of the condition.”

When Mr Campbell visited shire communities on Australia Day, he captivated his audience with humour, family stories, his interest in robotics, and trying to find a way to slow down, stop, and cure Parkinson’s.

He joined the Wee Waa community to celebrate the occasion at the town’s breakfast event before congratulating shire award recipients at the Australia Day ceremony in Narrabri.

Mr Campbell joined the festivities in Boggabri in the afternoon.