Home

Celebrating what makes us great

National Australia Day CouncilAdvertiser Content
Sandy Anghie
Camera IconSandy Anghie Credit: Supplied

Australia Day is a day of celebration for all Australians — our First Nations people and everyone who now calls Australia home.

There is so much to love about Australia.

Of course, our beautiful beaches and great weather, but also our great cities — including Perth.

We need to celebrate Perth and let more people know that it exists as an alternative to big, crowded and polluted cities.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Our city is different. But this is good.

I was born in Perth and have lived here all of my life.

My parents, Vic and Yadranka Jakovich, both migrated to Australia from Croatia as teenagers and have had a wonderful life in Perth.

I went to Kardinya Primary School and then Santa Maria College (in Attadale), studied Law and Commerce at The University of Western Australia and was admitted to the Supreme Court as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2000.

After working as a lawyer for close to a decade, I returned to UWA to study architecture in 2006. I am now a registered architect.

I was one of the founding members of the registered charity Historic Heart of Perth, with the aim of revitalising Perth’s east end, I met and worked with hundreds of stakeholders and supporters across all levels of government, business and the community to drive positive change in our city.

Usually for Australia Day, a swim at the beach in the morning, then a barbecue with family and friends in the evening is my tradition – a very Australian day.

I used to live in South Perth, so a walk down to the foreshore to enjoy the fireworks was apt.

However, the past few years I have been overseas during this time and had to celebrate Australia Day abroad, so I am looking forward to celebrating Australia Day in Perth this year.

The traditional Skyworks have been canceled for 2021 and the City of Perth has created a new program of events to celebrate Australia Day across our city neighbourhoods over four days.

My husband Michael and I look forward to taking our daughter to these celebrations.

Like most, my hope for 2021 is for Australia to continue to do well in managing the pandemic.

Our State and Federal governments have done a brilliant job in managing the pandemic and keeping us safe.

We are currently the envy of the world, being able to continue to live our lives while others have suffered through successive lockdowns.

Let’s hope it stays that way.

How we celebrate Australia Day is something we need to have a conversation about.

Everyone has to feel happy to celebrate and everyone has to own the day.

We are home to the world’s oldest living culture from which there is so much we can learn.

It is important to remember Australia’s multiculturalism and that it is a place of opportunity.

Sandy Anghie

Deputy Lord Mayor

As we look forward to a brighter 2021, visit australiaday.org.au to plan your Australia Day.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails