Coolamon Shire Council’s Australia Day Ambassador will be Ethan Butson, who is described as a “scientific innovator driven by a mission to create solutions that improve lives”.

Mr Butson’s biography, which was sent to the council, stated he was a finalist for the 2015 NSW Young Australian of the Year award, after making significant strides in science and technology, combining creativity with purpose to tackle real-world challenges.

He graduated with an Advanced Science degree, majoring in Physics and Chemistry and a Masters in Medical Physics at the University of Sydney and is currently certified as a Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Specialist, continuing the fight against cancer.

His academic excellence is matched by his entrepreneurial spirit as a co-founding partner of Scilutions Pty Ltd.

Mr Butson is also actively engaged with The Water Gift, a charity that utilises the SAFE Sticker to provide safe drinking water to under-served populations, making a tangible impact one drop at a time.

Beyond his research and business ventures, Mr Butson has worked in disability support, reflecting his commitment to inclusion and community wellbeing.

His projects, both scientific and otherwise, focus on bridging science and humanity, ensuring innovation serves people first.

Passionate about education, Mr Butson, through his involvement with Australian Science and Engineering Fair, advocates and provides opportunities for young Australians to highlight their excellence and embrace science as a tool for positive change.

As an Australia Day Ambassador, Mr Butson said he celebrated opportunity, innovation and resilience - the values that have shaped his journey and continue to inspire his work.

Mr Butson is no stranger

to being an Australia

Day Ambassador.

He said his most memorable Australia Day or Ambassador experience was helping shear a sheep as an ambassador at Bombala.

Mr Butson said he was proud of being “part of the history and growth of this great nation”.

“I am incredibly blessed to have been born here and it makes me proud and grateful to see people all over the world choosing Australia as their home,” he said.

“We all come from different backgrounds and carry our own unique histories, yet we choose to come together to maintain and grow something far bigger than ourselves.”

The council’s Australia Day preparations are well underway to celebrate a fun and successful day at Ganmain.