Andy will be formally welcomed to the position at the official opening of the Festival on June 1. The appointment is for two years until the next Manning Winter Festival in June 2020.

Festival Ambassadors commit to supporting and promoting cultural development in the Manning Valley and beyond.

Locally born and raised, Andy is a proud Biripi man who is already out there nationally inspiring audiences and performers alike. Laughter and goodwill are his tools of trade as with clever humour, he challenges others to overcome Aboriginal stereotypes and other social issues. He is a consummate performer who has achieved national success.

Based in the Manning, supported by wife Deb and devoted father of four children, Andy is a senior education officer with TAFE NSW. His role involves increasing education and work opportunities for disengaged community members.

He also frequently travels around Australia to perform in such prestigious events as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow and the ABC Comedy Up Late TV show.

“I have known Andy and members of his family for many years. I have watched Andy grow into the remarkable man he is today. Who better than Andy Saunders to carry the cultural development banner of the Manning Valley for the next two years?” says Festival president Mave Richardson.

Registrations for inclusion in the June 2018 Manning Winter Festival program close March 2. For more information visit the website manningwinterfestival.weebly.com or email manningwinterfestival@gmail.com