Communities put on Australia Day events across the Mid West

Towns across the Mid West are pulling out the stops this year to bring the community together this Australia Day. From massive fireworks displays, to a friendly barbeque breakfast, there will be something on near you. The City of Greater Geraldton is going all out with celebrations on the Geraldton Foreshore, and a Mullewa pool party. From 8am, the Doc Docherty pool will be open for a traditional breakfast, followed by the Mullewa Communty Citizen of the Year Awards. Thirty-two new citizens will be welcomed at Stow Gardens in Geraldton, the centre of a huge event with market stalls, a classic car show, and live music from Harvest Guide, Midnight Gypsies, and Grace Barbe all culminating in an extravagant fireworks display. “Australia Day is a hard day for some and a celebration to others, and we have factored this into our planning by having a cultural and inclusive focus on the event,” Mayor Shane Van Styn said. Carnarvon is going big too, with the Yacht Club hosting festivities throughout the day, including a special acknowledgement for local emergency services volunteers. Fireworks at the fascine will cap off the day, with Perth six-piece Flash Nat returning to take the party into the night. The Kalbarri community have banded together to put on their own event, with support from local businesses and community organisations to set up market stalls, bouncy castles, bringing out AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells, and even a foreshore fireworks display. The event is partly funded by Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements, and as such Community Recovery Officers will be setting up a hub to assist with any issues surrounding cyclone Seroja. The Shire of Coorow has also been busy, setting up events in Coorow and on the Leeman foreshore. They too will be announcing Community Citizen of the Year Awards, as well as recognising a range of local volunteers over a barbecue at the community pool. Mount Magnet is looking at a top of 39C on Australia Day, so free entry to the memorial swimming pool will be a welcome relief for many as they welcome their newest citizens. While masks have been made mandatory for events in Perth and the South West, no such restrictions apply for the Mid West. Mr Van Styn did ask that visitors to the Geraldton events sign in with the Safe WA app. “Other than that we encourage everyone to have a good time and enjoy the freedoms that only people in the Mid West get to enjoy,” he said.