Sarah Garnett has been asked to speak at ceremonies held in Cumnock, Molong and Eugowra on January 26 for her work establishing a mobile library operating in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Ms Garnett has worked with homeless people since 2003, leaving a successful 26-year career as a communications and documentary producer in 2007 to concentrate on the only library for homeless people in Australia.

The Footpath Library collects book donations to give to those who might not otherwise have access to reading material, with the aim of increasing literacy among marginalised groups. 

Ms Garnett founded the charity after speaking with a homeless man who was reading while she volunteered at a food van, work which has now been recognised by Cabonne.

Orange’s Australia Day ambassador is yet to be announced. They will follow on from 2018 ambassador Annabelle Williams, a gold medalist from the London Paralympics.

The Cook Park ceremony will award the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Local Legend, Community Event of the Year, Community Groups of the Year and a business which demonstrated philanthropy.

Australia Day will also be celebrated at Borenore/Nashdale, Canowindra, Cargo, Cudal, Manildra, Mullion Creek and Yeoval.

Ms Garnett’s day will start with a breakfast ceremony at Cumnock Bowling Club at 8am before travelling to celebrations at Molong Recreation Ground at 11am followed by an awards ceremony and afternoon tea at Eugowra Bowling Club at 2pm.