Dancer Jarryd Byrne left Wagga at 18 to pursue his career but he still calls Wagga home.
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The Dancing With The Stars and Strictly Ballroom The Musical star returned home this week to hold workshops with school students as it is announced he will be the city’s 2016 Australia Day Ambassador.
“It’s a fantastic honour to receive,” he said.
“Even though I stepped away from Wagga to further my career, I’ve always been welcomed back.”
Mr Byrne wants to spread the message to children that they can form a career through whatever avenue they have a passion in.
“The general perception is dancing is a fun hobby but people don’t view it as a career option,” he said.
Mr Byrne said he does not see himself as a celebrity but was signing autographs and taking photos with students as he taught at Mater Dei Primary School this week.
He hopes to use his status to bring his expertise back to Wagga schools as he returns fresh from his stint with Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
Mr Byrne will take the opportunity next January to spend more time in the city to teach dance classes and have fun with his young family.
“I want to take the kids swimming at Wagga Beach,” he said.
Next year is shaping up to be busy for Mr Byrne as he focuses on teaching with his companies, Fit 2 Move and Wedding Waltz Australia, and returning to Dancing With The Stars with ambitions to win.
Mr Byrne will make a speech at the Australia Day awards on January 24 and attend events on Australia Day.
Nominations are now open for Wagga’s 2016 Australia Day awards.
