A day of reflection and celebration

From the Gascoyne to the Murchison, and down to the Mid West agricultural region, people took Australia Day as an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and spend time with friends and family.Eleven people celebrated becoming Australians in Carnarvon, while Kay Mongoo, Gwen Clinch and Carnarvon Marine Rescue were recognised for their community work.The town was also one of the only places in the State to host fireworks, although they were delayed slightly by the wind.Shire president Eddie Smith said the event was well attended, estimating around 400 people came into town to celebrate.“The event went really well. People have really been coming together lately,” he said.Out in Meekatharra, they kept things simple. Sunshine, swimming, a barbecue lunch and games were the order of the day.Shire president Harvey Nichols estimated about 120 people attended, with most kids taking the chance to cool down from the sweltering 40C heat.Celebrations were also held in Shark Bay, where Natalie Dul, Fay Castling, Ella Ricetti, 11 and the St John Ambulance Shark Bay sub-centre were named citizen, senior citizen, junior citizen and community group of the year respectively. The Shire held a community breakfast at the Shark Bay Bowling, Sport & Recreation Club in conjunction with the Shark Bay Community Resource Centre.Attendees enjoyed songs performed by the Shark Bay Entertainers and a seafood breakfast donated by the Shark Bay Fish Factory.In Carnamah, Sue Sivyer was awarded the top honour for her years of contributing to the community in many roles, including at the Ladies Bowling Club, the Carnamah Tourist Information Committee, the North Midlands Agricultural Society, Carnamah Netball Club, and St John Ambulance.The Carnamah Historical Society hosted the town’s Australia Day morning tea, while the local police ran a family fun day, complete with a sausage sizzle, at the public swimming pool. Picture: Supplied/Amy Thomas/Curtley Mow and Mahlia Councillor, 4.