The Braidwood resident has been named Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council’s Australia Day Ambassador.

Himself a migrant – he moved to Australia from Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, aged 7  he appreciates the country for what it has given him and his family.

“It’s a great honour to be asked, to be an ambassador for the area in which you live,” Potger said.

“I feel that it’ll just be a wonderful occasion to be a part of the community and to meet people who also live and thrive in this wonderful part of the world.”

While he looks forward to celebrating the day with Queanbeyan-Palerang residents, Potger is also alive to the growing movement to change the date of Australia Day. 

“Any celebration like Australia Day is really important to bring people together in the best possible fashion, keeping in mind the various individuals feelings about commemorating an Australia Day that perhaps doesn’t sit all that comfortably with some people,” he said.

Awards will be presented at the Servicemens Club from 12pm on, followed by a lunch.

American singer songwriter George Mann will be performing on January 25 from 7pm, entry is free.

Local singer Bill Waterhouse from ‘The Fabulous Ssnakebyte Brothers’ will be performing from 5pm on January 26.

Jay Podger from Cooma will be performing from 7pm on January 27.

A real Aussie Day, playing Aussie music, some snags on the barbie and street cricket, from 2pm on January 26.

The Majors Creek Pub will be open.