The 2022 Australia Day Ambassador for the northern sector of the Warrumbungle shire Yianni Johns said he had a fantastic time exploring the region and looks forward to returning in the near future.

Several events to celebrate Australia Day were held in each of the six towns across the shire, including Coonabarabran and Baradine.

The Baradine Bowling Club held its ceremony and a morning tea from 10am while the Coonabarabran award ceremony and barbecue dinner occurred at the local golf club from 6.30pm.

Attending these events were 2022 ambassadors Yianni Johns and Shaun Christie-David, who replaced the previously announced ambassadors last week after they withdrew due to COVID-19.

An acclaimed artist and curator Mr Johns, has been an ambassador for over a decade since receiving his own Australia Day Award in 2010 for his services to Arts and Culture in the Central Coast Region.

Mr Johns said he was proud to be a part of the festivities in the Binnaway, Baradine and Coonabarabran communities.

"(Australia Day celebrations) marks one of those times where I'm just proud to be an Aussie," Mr Johns said.

"It's a fantastic honour to deliver the Australia Day address and you always hope to inspire Australians new and old."

Mr Johns has had a decorated career as an artist, with his works being featured on both the national and international stage, including at the Louvre in Paris.

He has also done some writing and presented a short story about Coonabarabran and star gazing during his address this week.

He was also the curator behind the Super Art Project in Tuggerah NSW turning 24 vacant shopping malls into 24 artist studio galleries housing 64 working artists which had thousands of visitors during its lifespan.

Mr Johns said he had flashback to this and previous curator experiences visiting the local SPACE Social Enterprise Gallery.

"I visited Alison (Reynolds) there and thought what they were doing was fantastic - some of the art was really good, so a big round of applause to them," he said.

"I also loved seeing some of the spontaneous metal sculptures around - I don't do it myself, but I really love what goes into that."

Despite ominous rainclouds during his Coonabarabran address, Mr Johns said he was impressed with the tenacity of local residents who, rather than running for cover, bunched together under a marquis and listened to the remainder of his speech.

When asked for his thoughts on the presentations of the Australia Day awards in the Warrumbungle shire, he said a particular highlight for him was the speech from Coonabarabran Citizen of the Year Jane Phillips.

"(Jane) gave the most beautiful speech about the idea around changing the date and celebrating (Australia Day) all together," Mr Johns said.

"Also Wings and Things was up for two mentions - having been involved with aviation for the greater part of my life, that came as a real soft spot for me."

Mr Johns said he had built up some solid friendships with local councillors and couldn't wait to return to the Warrumbungle shire for a proper visit.

"Zoe (Holcombe) works at the observatory and said she would give me a tour the tourists don't see which would be lovely," he said.

"Jason (Newton) also said he would fly me around the Warrumbungles which would also be fantastic. I'd really like to come back around April."