Mr McGuigan has been named as the 2012 ambassador for Wellington which has thrilled local Australia Day committee chairman Kevin Mason.

“Mr McGuigan has been at the forefront of the Australian wine industry for more than 35 years,” Mr Mason said.

“Not only was he the founder of the Wyndham Estate Wine Company in the Hunter Valley in the 1970s and 80s, he also went on to establish McGuigan Simeon Wines in the 1990s and remains a director today.”

During his career Mr McGuigan has been a leader in marketing and selling wines in the international market place and as a result Wyndham Estate, which includes Richmond Grove, Montrose, Poet’s Corner, Craigmoor, Saxonvale, Hunter Estate and Amberton Labels, became one of the leading exporters of Australian wine to the world.

This success has continued under Mr McGuigan’s watch at McGuigan Simeon Wines with more than 67 per cent of total production going to the international market.

“Mr McGuigan’s dedication to his industry has earned him many accolades,” Mr Mason said.

“He has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal, named NSW Winemaker of the Year, NSW Outstanding Industry Executive and was the recipient of the 2001 Graham Gregory Trophy for significant contribution to the NSW Wine Industry.

“It should also be noted that Mr McGuigan has given back to the community.

“He is the current chairman of the Mater Misericordia Hospital in Newcastle, chairman and foundation member of the Broke Fordwich and Hunter Wine Country Private Irrigation District, former director of the Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourist Board, former director of Coal and Allied Trust and has spent 30 years on the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association.

“It will be a great honour to have him as a special guest in Wellington during our Australia Day festivities this year.”

With Australia Day nearing, Mr Mason said the committee was working tirelessly to ensure everything runs to plan.

“Nominations for our awards have now closed,” he said.

“While numbers were down a bit, the calibre of those nominated is exceptional.

“We are now looking forward to a great day which will include an array of entertainment.

“I encourage everyone to come down to Cameron Park on Australia Day and join in the celebrations.

“Let’s make this the biggest and best yet.”