Australia’s most acclaimed horticulturalist and popular TV and radio presenter, Graham Ross AM VMM, has been named City of Canterbury Bankstown’s 2023 Australia Day Ambassador.

Throughout his professional career in garden and ornamental horticulture, and appearances in more than 500 episodes of Channel 7’s Better Homes and Gardens, Graham has educated, entertained and inspired the Australian gardening community.

But his childhood roots have led him back to Canterbury-Bankstown and Graham is looking forward to engaging with local residents as their Australia Day Ambassador.

“My father, back in the 50’s, started the social welfare department for the NSW Government and he was based at Bankstown Courthouse. My brother studied law and was also based at Bankstown Courthouse,” Graham said.

“As a child, I was aware of what my brother and father were doing – it gave me a connection with Bankstown and reminded me of my community responsibility.”

With over 20 years inspiring Australia Day events across the nation, Graham is one of the Australia Day Council’s longest serving ambassadors.

“I’m very passionate about the responsibility and there’s an important role for all of the ambassadors to communicate and engage with the public,” Graham said.

“Australia Day is a time of reflection – to me it’s a time to look back and also look forward with the knowledge of where we’ve come from.”

On the eve of Australia Day, Graham Ross and Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour will be welcoming 25 new Australian citizens and announcing the Australia Day Award recipients.

Mayor Asfour said celebrating Australia Day means something different to every one of our residents.

“Whether you were born here, recently settled here or have been living here a little while now, we’re so lucky to call this wonderful country home,” Mayor Asfour said.

“I’m looking forward to presiding over celebrations alongside Mr Graham Ross – an outstanding example to all the aspiring green thumbs in our City!”

“Whether it’s a tip or trick for the garden or hearing his take on Australia Day, we can all take a leaf out of Graham’s book,” Mayor Asfour said.

Graham’s top tip for local gardeners is to get the soil right.

“The thing I remember most about my Grandmother’s garden at her Canterbury home was the soils being incredibly depleted. They’re ancient soils that have been eroded over several million years,” Graham said.

“Composting, getting a water tank and preserving water is going to be absolutely critical. Once you’ve got the soil right you can grow almost anything!”