Warren Pearson

Early life

Pearson attended Newington College (1978–1983).

Teaching career

A high school drama teacher (1988–1991) he then entered the NSW Department of Education and Training as Events Manager (1992–1995) where he produced major statewide student arts events.

Events manager

Pearson then went to the City of Sydney as Cultural and City Events Manager in 1996. He moved to the Australia Day Council of NSW and managed Sydney Harbour for the Australia Day celebrations in 1997 and the following year he was appointed Arts and Events Manager. As Arts and Events Manager for the Australia Day Council of New South Wales Centenary of Federation Committee, he was responsible for leading a dedicated team to deliver statewide civic and community events on a grand scale. He also held a leadership role in the management of Corroboree 2000 Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk for Reconciliation.

National Australia Day Council

He joined the NADC in August 2001 because he believed strongly in Australia Day and wanted to play an instrumental role in encouraging Australians to celebrate our great achievements with pride on 26 January. In this role he is responsible for planning Australia Day celebrations and presenting the Australian of the Year and associated awards. He has a long background in community engagement, civic events and Australian identity. Pearson regularly speaks on matters of national identity, civics and citizenship, as well as on event and communications management. He was a member of the Australian Citizenship Test Review Committee in 2008.

Honours

Pearson was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in 2001 for service to the Centenary of Federation celebrations in NSW. In the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List he was made a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for service to the community through leadership roles with the National Australia Day Council, to the promotion of the celebration of the Australian identity and citizenship, and to reconciliation.