Ben and Marina Maguire Appointed Australia Day Ambassadors 2026
Published on 19 December 2025
Yass Valley Council is delighted to announce the appointment of local mental health and veteran advocates, Ben Maguire AM and Marina Maguire OAM, as the Yass Valley Australia Day Ambassadors for 2026, recognising their outstanding contribution to veterans, first responders and the wider community through their not-for-profit organisation, Remount.
Founded in 2016 on their family farm, Gunben, near Yass, Remount delivers programs that support veterans, first responders and their families living with service-related trauma, including PTSD, anxiety and depression. Through structured horsemanship, cattle mustering and leatherwork, participants reconnect with themselves, nature and community, often experiencing life-changing breakthroughs.
The Maguires advocate nationally for mental health and suicide prevention among veterans and rural communities. They are also outspoken in preserving the rural environment that underpins their therapeutic work, ensuring veterans have access to the peace and space essential for healing.
Ben brings decades of leadership experience as a former CEO, non-executive director and current Royal Australian Navy officer, alongside his lifelong passion for horses. He has served as Chair of the Marchmont Racecourse Trust and on the Board of the National Museum of Australia. Marina complements this with a distinguished career in governance and risk management, consulting to federal agencies and mentoring women through career transitions.
Remount
Ben and Marina were inspired to establish Remount after meeting a retired U.S. Marine at a camp draft in Longreach, Queensland, who introduced them to equine therapy. Since then, they have supported more than 450 participants, with programs often described as ‘circuit breakers’ that help rebuild courage, confidence and self-worth.
Marina Maguire OAM said community and gratitude are at the heart of Remount’s work:
“I love working with all our volunteers to make special Remount experiences for our Drovers. It’s so rewarding to give back and support our service men, women and their families,” she said.
Ben Maguire AM said Remount exists to remind participants they are valued and appreciated:
“We remind people there’s a community who appreciate their service. It can break a cycle of someone’s lack of self-worth and really remind them of how good life can be,” he said.
Their appointment as Ambassadors builds on national recognition received in the 2024 Australia Day Honours, with Ben appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and Marina awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for their service to veterans and the community.
As Yass Valley Council Ambassadors for 2026, Ben and Marina will continue to champion service, resilience and mateship, hoping to inspire conversations about the power of community in changing lives.
Australia Day Ceremony
The Yass Valley Australia Day Ceremony will be held at Coronation Park, Yass on 26 January 2026, with breakfast available from 7.30am to 10.00am.
The morning will include a complimentary BBQ breakfast generously provided by Yass Rotary, followed by the Citizenship Ceremony and the presentation of the Australia Day Awards.