The award-winning multi-media presenter has published nine best-selling cookbooks, starred in eight TV series and was the food director of the Australian’s Women’s Weekly.

Ms Milan was received the Order of Australia Medal in 2014 for her service to hospitality, the food and wine industry and the community.

Ms Milan said she is looking forward her to visit to Cessnock for the Australia Day ceremony at East Cessnock Bowling Club.

“I relish the opportunity to engage with regional communities as they are the source of our food and wine,” she said.

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said it is wonderful to have an ambassador that understands the importance of the food and wine industry.

“It is very fitting that Lyndey will be our Australia Day ambassador as we share her passion for food and wine here in the Hunter Valley,” he said.

“I look forward to welcoming Lyndey into our community and hope she has the opportunity to experience our many first-class restaurants and wineries.”

The ceremony will start at 10am and includes Cessnock’s Australia Day awards, citizenship ceremony and formal recognition of emergency service personnel who protected the community during the recent bushfires.

A free barbecue lunch will be held afterwards at East End Oval, followed by the inaugural Twenty20 Mayoral Cup cricket match at 12.30pm.

Take a look back at last year’s Australia Day celebrations in the gallery below.