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Australia Day

Loshni Mercuri was recognised for her charity work and avid sponsorship of community groups and events with Narrogin’s 2026 citizen award.

CITIZEN AWARDPremiumDevoted community member named Narrogin citizen of the year

A devoted volunteer in Narrogin has claimed the shire’s highest honour for her charity work and selfless nature towards supporting the community.

Hannah Whitehead

Rose Skeggs, 6, and Isla Barron, 12.

AUSTRALIA DAYPremiumIN PICTURES: Narrogin celebrate Australia Day with awards

The Narrogin community gathered for an Australia Day breakfast at Alby Park to celebrate the nation this week, with a host of awards granted to salute upstanding citizens.

Hannah Whitehead

Great Southern’s Peter Robertson has has been awarded Medal of the Order of Australia.

Top honour PremiumPeter Robertson receives OAM for years of advocacy

Dedicated Great Southern environmentalist Peter Robertson has been named on the Australia Day honours list, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia 2026 for his service to conservation and the environment.

Amy Towers

Fireworks pictured over the Swan River during Australia Day celebrations in Langley Park, Perth, Monday.

WA NewsCommentsLocals flock to watch shimmering Australia Day fireworks

Families from all over Perth flocked to the foreshore on Monday night as the city marked the Australia Day public holiday with a full schedule of events, live entertainment and a sky show over the Swan River. 

Kirsty Lichtenstein

It was fun in the partial sun on Monday, as the weather threatened to hinder the plans of hundreds of people, who headed for pockets of foreshore across the metro area for Australia Day.

WA NEWSCommentsPups steal the show at Australia Day foreshore bash

It was fun in the partial sun, as the weather threatened to hinder the plans of hundreds of people, who headed for pockets of foreshore across the metro area for Australia Day.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch.

WA NEWSVideoCommentsCops say potential explosive device thrown into Oz Day crowd

WA Police are investigating what they’ve called a ‘very, very serious’ incident at Perth’s Invasion Day rally in which a potential explosive device was thrown into a crowd.

Oliver Lane

Chaos ensued as Invasion Day protests were evacuated due to security concerns, as March for Australia moved through Perth’s CBD.

Australia DayCamera IconSEE THE PICTURES: Chaos as Invasion Day protest evacuated

SEE THE PICTURES: Perth’s Invasion Day rally descended into chaos after an object was thrown into the crowd at Forrest Chase, causing fears of an explosion. 

Katherine Kraayvanger

The 2026 Albany Citizen of the Year Award winners were Carol Pettersen, Joe Lembo, Peter Finlay, Dorothy Field and Community Bank All Abilities Ball.

Albany 2026Albany citizen of the year award winners announced

From quiet volunteers to community leaders, the amazing people who help shape the Albany community were recognised on Monday at the annual citizen of the year awards.

Amy Towers

Local Hero, Frank Mitchell accepts his award off Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Australian of the Year AwardsCommentsPremiumLocal Hero Mitchell’s whirlwind rise opens paths for tradies

Local Hero Frank Mitchell’s rides a whirlwind of recognition as he plans to use national honour to open doors and spark opportunities for Aboriginal tradies.

Sarah Crawford

Perth’s Australia Day fireworks will go ahead on Monday night.

Australia DayCommentsUpdate on Perth fireworks show amid cancellation fears

The City of Perth has spoken out amid growing concern the fireworks show will be cancelled due to wet weather.

Kirsty Lichtenstein

Ashley, Delilah (8), Callie (7) and Alice Bennetts celebrate becoming Australian citizens.

WA NewsCommentsPremiumThousands of new Aussies celebrate citizenship ceremonies

Western Australia has welcomed thousands of new Australians in ceremonies across the State this Australia Day.

Oliver Lane

A flag is burned in Brisbane (main image) while just a few streets away, Pauline Hanson addressed a March for Australia rally.

Australia DayVideoCommentsAnti-Semitism arrest, evacuation, flag burning mars Oz Day

Australia Day protests and counter-protests have taken place across the country, with the Australian flag being burned, a CBD rally evacuated and a man arrested for alleged anti-Semitic comments.

David Johns

Peter Tinley says altough the RSL is one of the nation’s most recognisable institutes, more must be done to help it evolve. (Pictured: Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi)

opinion
opinion
OpinionComments
opinion
RSL needs ‘practical change’ to help today’s veterans

Too many veterans and their families have been left to navigate complicated systems on their own - the RSL must help change that.

Peter Tinley

Chavindhya De Silva and Sandun Mendis pictured outside Council House, Perth, on Friday ahead of their citizenship ceremony.

CitizenshipCommentsPremiumSri Lankan couple ‘proud and honoured’ to become citizens

This Australia Day won’t be the same for Sri Lankan couple Chavindhya De Silva and Sandun Mendis this year.

Sophie Gannon

Former Stirling MP Ron Edwards was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community and environment.

Australia DayCommentsPremiumFormer Stirling MP honoured for community work during COVID

The man who played a key role in steering WA through the COVID pandemic is one of a number of former politicians to be recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours list.

Oliver Lane

The Binalup-Middleton Beach Festival is set to bring live performances and free family activities for the community on January 26.

AUSTRALIA DAYPremiumBinalup-Middleton Beach Festival to honour Australia Day

Middleton Beach will come alive this Australia Day with a full day of community celebration, with the program highlighting respect, connection and inclusion among a stash of free family activities.

Amy Towers

If you want to dip your toe in the water and see why it’s important to change the date, consider these ways to spend this January 26 to help create a better Australia, writes Emma Garlett.

opinion
opinion
Emma GarlettComments
opinion
Ways to spend Jan 26 if you want to change the date

If you want to dip your toe in the water and see why it’s important to change the date, consider these ways to spend this January 26 to help create a better Australia, says Emma Garlett.

Emma Garlett

Emma Garlett

The Skyfest Fireworks at Koombana Bay Foreshore.

AUSTRALIA DAYPremiumKoombana Bay remains home of Bunbury Australia Day.

Bunbury locals are set to once again don the green and gold on the Koombana Bay foreshore this January 26. 

Will Corbett

‘In recent years, Australia Day has been steadily recast by activists as something to apologise for rather than celebrate,’ says Michaelia Cash

opinion
opinion
Michaelia CashCommentsPremium
opinion
There is no shame in national pride on Australia Day

Australia Day should always be a day when a vast, diverse continent pauses to reflect on what binds us together.

Michaelia Cash

‘Gen Zs aren’t reacting against Australia Day ‘wokeness’, writes Emma Garlett.

opinion
opinion
Emma GarlettPremium
opinion
Gen Zs aren’t reacting against Australia Day ‘wokeness’

January 26 is not a day of unification. That is a modern myth, and there is a powerful shift in the younger generation.

Emma Garlett

The Town of Cottesloe will continue hosting its annual citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

Australia DayCommentsPremiumCottesloe vote to keep date for Aus Day celebrations

The Town of Cottesloe will continue hosting its annual citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day after a majority of residents voted to keep the date.

Harriet Flinn

Cottesloe residents will soon have their say on the divisive Australia Day date debate as the council considers whether to continue holding its annual citizenship ceremony on January 26.

Local GovernmentCommentsPremiumCottesloe residents get say on Australia Day date debate

Locals will be given a choice of three options: A) On the nearest Saturday to 26 January, B) On 26 January, or C) No preference. 

Harriet Flinn

Not Supplied

TravelPremiumWild reason woman gets kicked off flight

Video has captured a woman causing a wild scene and abusing airline staff on a Virgin flight, with the ruckus kicking off for a truly bizarre reason.

Jack Nivison

Colin Ward with his Narrogin senior citizen of the year award certificate and medallion.

TOP SENIORNarrogin’s 30-year vollie recognised for community service

Narrogin’s top senior citizen was recognised for his commitment to helping newcomers and ensuring the community is an enjoyable place through his volunteer work.

Hannah Whitehead