Expert chef at the barbie on Australia Day

COOKING demonstrations could be on the menu at the official Richmond Valley Australia Day celebrations next month.

Celebrity chef Janelle Bloom, of Ready Steady Cook fame, has been named as Richmond Valley's Australia Day Ambassador.

With four published cookbooks under her belt and a regular on the TV show which is now in its seventh season, Ms Bloom will be a welcome ambassador to the day.

"I might do some cooking on the barbecue down at the beach in front of the surf lifesaving club," she said.

"I'm so looking forward to coming and honoured to be the Richmond Valley Australia Day ambassador."

In addition, the organisers are excited to announce that local singing hero Luke Vassella will also headline Richmond Valley's Australia Day entertainment.

Luke has been described as a "captivating performer of rare quality and a gifted songwriter" and will return from Tamworth to perform at the Evans Head event.

Australia Day organising committee spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said Australia Day was shaping up to be a fantastic day full of fun and first-class entertainment.

"We are hoping Janelle Bloom will show off some of her cooking flair on the barbecue while she is here," Ms Stewart said.

"We have a great group of people working on the day, with the markets coming along well and the triathlon in the hands of some excellent organisers.

"The day is a chance to showcase the beach, Evans Head and so much of what the Richmond Valley has to offer."

Ms Stewart said the Casino-Evans Head Surf Club will benefit from all funds raised on the day.

"It will be a great way to end the Christmas school holidays," she said.