Athol was nominated for the task because of the amazing role he has played in the community as a culinary leader and educator at the Charles Darwin University. Athol is also committed to the development of cuisine using Australian ingredients and Indigenous spices, which evolved after being awarded an International Specialised Skills Insititute Fellowship in 2005 for Value Adding to Regional Cuisine.

“Athol travels regularly interstate and overseas through his professional career, and has a true love of Central Australia at his heart. He was an obvious person for Council to recognise as an Honorary Ambassador, and we are thrilled that he has accepted the role and its responsibilities,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

In his role as Honorary Ambassador for Alice Springs, he will be encouraged to actively promote Alice Springs and the Central Australian Region throughout his travels, and to continue to be a strong and proud representative of the community within his professional pursuits and endeavours.

“I am both honored and overwhelmed to hear the great news about being appointed an Honorary Ambassador for the Alice Springs community, and the Alice Springs Town Council,” Athol said.

“Wherever I go, I am always a proud Central Australian, but this role will encourage me to always remember to tell people what an amazing part of the world we live in, and what a special community I am part of,” Athol said.

“I think Alice Springs is such a unique part of the world. It offers so many opportunities in this desert knowledge environment, and those with vision have so much to gain with their ideas and enthusiasm – this is the centre of the universe, and the opportunities are endless,” Athol said.

Alice Springs Town Council appoints Honorary Ambassadors to create business, tourism and cultural linkages on behalf of the town and the entire region. Athol joins other Honorary Ambassadors including Liz Martin, Wayne Kraft and Peter Seidel, who were all chosen due to their ability to proudly undertake the responsibility and actively work toward improving the community and its profile at a national and international level.

For further information contact:

Mayor Fran Kilgariff (08) 8950 0525 or 0419 376 060

ASTC Chief Executive Officer Rex Mooney (08) 8950 0525 or 0427 161 956

ASTC Media Officer Fionn Muster (08) 8950 0546 or 0417 884 449

Australian Wild Foods Athol Wark on 0400 858 248