With preparations in full swing for the 2006 celebrations, Bega Valley Australia Day co-ordinator Sue-Anne Newton said Mr Kewley would certainly add to the community spirit and fun of the day.

"As part of the celebrations, ambassadors are asked to deliver the keynote address which captures the true spirit of being Australian," Ms Newton said.

From 2000 to 2005, Mr Kewley played Detective Senior Sergeant Bryan Gray in the Nine Network's undercover police series 'Stingers' and since 1997 he has played the semi-regular role of local Mt Thomas journalist Tony Timms in 'Blue Heelers'. He continues to play that role today.

"We look forward to having a fair bit of fun with Jeremy as he has been the warm up comedian for the AFL version of The Footy Show every week since it began back in 1994," Ms Newton said.

For the last eight years, Jeremy has also been performing in the comedy shows at Hunchbax Theatre Restaurant in Melbourne, including the current shows, 'Dude Where's My Hump' and 'Good Will Humping', which he also wrote and directed.

In 1994 and 1995, he played the lead role of Crown Prosecutor Vic Manoulis in the critically acclaimed ABC-TV drama series 'Janus' (1995 Logie Award winner for Best Drama Series and Best Actor), and its sequel 'Janus II'.

In 2003 Jeremy co-starred in a two American feature films - 'Disappearance' set in New Mexico, and 'The X Team' shot in the New Zealand Alps.

In 2000, he produced 'Funny by George: the George Wallace Story' for ABC-TV, a one-hour documentary that detailed the life and times of George Wallace, Australia's great vaudeville performer and first comedy "movie star".

In 2001, he co-wrote and produced 'Young Talent Time Tells All', which went on to become one of the highest rating Network Ten programs of the year.

"Australia Day 2006 is shaping up to be a wonderful day.

"The committee is excited and we have a number of community groups and individuals who are supporting the day to ensure its success," Ms Newton said.