Warren Shire Council will welcome one of Australia’s most accomplished Olympians, Warren Potent, as its 2026 Australia Day Ambassador at the official community celebration on Monday January 26.

Mr Potent, widely regarded as Australia’s most successful rifle shooter, will deliver the Ambassador address at 10am at the Warren Sporting and Cultural Centre, located at Victoria Park.

A six-time world number one, Olympic medallist, world champion and Commonwealth Games record holder, Mr Potent brings an extraordinary sporting story to Warren’s Australia Day celebrations - one defined by longevity, resilience and historic achievement.

After relatively modest performances at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the New South Welshman entered the Beijing 2008 Olympics as a world-rated contender.

He lived up to that ranking by winning bronze in the men’s 50-metre small-bore rifle (prone), finishing behind Ukraine’s Artur Ayvazian and reigning Olympic champion Matt Emmons of the United States.

The medal was historic as it was the first Olympic medal won by an Australian in any rifle-shooting event, with all previous Australian shooting medals coming from shotgun or pistol disciplines.

Mr Potent went on to compete at four Olympic Games, returning to the Olympic stage at the age of 50 in London in 2012, where he finished 32nd in the 50m rifle prone event.

He made his final Olympic appearance at Rio 2016, scoring 620.0 in qualification to finish 35th overall.

The streets of Warren will be overflowing with community pride on Monday 26 January as they celebrate Australia Day and acknowledge worthy community members.

His international career spans decades.

In 1986, Mr Potent teamed up with Don Brook and Alan Smith to win the 50m rifle prone team world championship, while almost three decades later - at the age of 52 - he claimed his first individual world title at the 2014 World Championships in Granada, Spain, just one month after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games.

Last year, Mr Potent served as Australia Day Ambassador for Warrumbungle Shire, and he said he was honoured to take on the role again in Warren.

“I’m thrilled to be appointed an Australia Day Ambassador by Warren Shire Council,” Mr Potent said.

“Australia Day is a time to reflect, respect and celebrate.”

Warren Shire Council said it was proud to welcome Mr Potent as its 2026 Ambassador and encouraged the community to attend the celebrations, which focus on connection, recognition and community pride.

The Australia Day program includes:

• • 8.30am – Free BBQ breakfast

• • 9.45am – Official ceremony

• • 10.00am – Australia Day Ambassador address by Warren Potent OLY JP

• • 10.30am – Awards presentation

The event will recognise local legends, volunteers and community groups who contribute to the strength and spirit of the Warren Shire.

“Australia Day is about community, connection and recognising those who make a difference,” Council said.

The celebration is open to everyone, with residents encouraged to come along, share breakfast, hear Mr Potent's story and take part in acknowledging the people who help make Warren a strong and connected community.