Australia Day 2023 program and nominees

CITIZENSHIP AND FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Congratulate our new Australians at the Citizenship Ceremony. This will be followed by the flag raising ceremony with the TS Morrow Cadets.

Main Stage at 3pm.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY

To recognise and pay respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture, this year's Australia Day program will include a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Derek Councillor. Main Stage at 3.35pm.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS IN GERALDTON AND MULLEWA

The Community Citizen of the Year Awards 2023 will be awarded to local community members in both Geraldton and Mullewa. Geraldton Main Stage at 4pm and Doc Docherty Pool at 10am.

AUSTRALIA DAY AMBASSADOR

For 20 years, Ken Gibbons and Telethon Community Cinemas have delivered a unique cinema-going experience while also raising more than $10.3 million for over 60 children’s charities and community groups. Ken puts the wants and needs of the community first while bringing back the magic of the movie-going experience.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

15 CHAMPION BAY SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB CHALLENGE SWIM 2023

Challenge yourself in the swimming races run by the Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club. Prizes available in all categories. For details and registrations visit championbaychallenge.com.au. Please register online before the day. Swim briefings at 7.15am. Swim starts 7.30am – 6km, 8am – 3km, 8.15am – 500m (junior), 8.30am – 1km. $35 per entrant. Juniors $10.

Champion Bay Beach, 7am-10am (Swim Series 7am-8:30am).

10 BATAVIA COAST VETERAN AND CLASSIC VEHICLE CLUB DISPLAY

The Batavia Coast Veteran and Classic Vehicle Club will once again host the “Aussie Icons“ car show on the Foreshore. If you have an ”Aussie Icon” which you would like to display but are not a member of the car club just turn up before 8am and we will include your vehicle in the display. You must leave the vehicle on site till 2pm. 8am-2pm. FREE.

5 CIRCUS ACTIVITIES - SODA SESSIONS

Kids can try their luck at circus arts and sound therapy under the pine trees with Soda Sessions. 3pm-7pm. FREE

3 ULTIMATE WATER SPORTS

Have some fun in the water on a jet ski or get your friends together to enjoy some tubing. Book a spot online www.ultimatewatersports.com.au or phone 9999 1839.

8am-6pm.

4 CARNIVAL RIDES

Get your adrenaline pumping on the rides. 10am-9pm.

7

SUNRISE YOGA

Join the Geraldton Yoga Community for a reflective practice underneath the shady trees. Class is free, simply BYO yoga mat or towel and a water bottle. 8am-9am. FREE.

11

MARKET STALLS

Support your local stallholders with a large range of foods to try, arts and crafts, handmade wares and much more. 8am-2pm.

13

KIDS BEACH PARTY

Join the Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club for the Australia Day Kids Beach Party. Grab a free sausage sizzle or a slice of Australia Day cake supplied by the Greenough Regional Prison. Prizes to be won and giveaways. 7am-1pm. FREE

Meet the real heroes of the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and let the kids have a play on the truck and spray some water from the hoses. 8am-2pm. FREE

ROTARY CLUB OF GERALDTON

SENIORS’ AFTERNOON TEA AT THE QEII Seniors of the Midwest are welcome to join the Rotary Club of Geraldton to enjoy a free afternoon tea and live performances by local entertainers. QEII Centre, 2pm-4pm. FREE

1 FOOD COURT

Grab a tasty treat from a selection of diverse food stalls. 2pm-9pm.

8 ABORIGINAL SAND MURAL

Join Yamatji artist Coleesha Jones to create a sand mural and learn the history behind the design. 10am-4pm FREE.

EUROPCARFIREWORKS SHOW

With a large fireworks display expected to fill our skies (weather permitting), you'll want to make sure you have front row seats. The Esplanade will be closed to the public from 10am. Front Beach8.30pm. FREE

TS Morrow Navy Cadets

14 CAPE BURNEY VOLUNTEER BUSH FIRE BRIGADE

AUSTRALIA

DAY IN MULLEWA:

COME ALONG AND ENJOY AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE DOC DOCHERTY POOL. Free entry for all, including a delicious barbecue breakfast from 8am and entertainment for everyone to enjoy! The Community Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony will commence at 10am, with special guest and Australia Day Ambassador Ken Gibbons. Everyone welcome, come join the Mullewa Community for a day of fun!

AUSTRALIA DAY IN GERALDTON:

THE GERALDTON FORESHORE IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR AUSTRALIA DAY.

Acknowledge our great nation, our people and our place with live entertainment, activities and music. Enjoy our unique beach lifestyle and get that “Gero feel” this Australia Day.

8am - 2pm

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS GERALDTON

NICK AUSTIN

Nick is the founder of Skate – Donate, an outreach organisation that collects donated skateboarding equipment and distributes it to underprivileged youth. He also leads the nonprofit Infinity Skate, creating safe spaces for children.

JENNY BEAVER

Jenny has been a member of Soroptimist International for 45 years. She has been the leading force behind Scholarship for New Opportunities for Women, Pink Up Dongara For Breast Cancer and beach clean ups.

BRENDON DAVIES

Brendon has been a volunteer in the community for many years and is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Batavia Coast. He is well known for always wanting to lend a hand in the community.

KAREN GILES

Karen has created over 550 baby bundles from donated and handmade items for infants born in Geraldton. Karen also volunteers as a nanny for new mums to give them respite from parenting.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US ONTHE DAY!

MICHELLE JONES

Michelle has been rescuing wildlife for over 15 years, rehabilitating them herself on her property. Michelle has been involved in educating the community about animals to ensure they are treated with respect.

ROSS JONES

Ross has served in the SES for years, contributing to all aspects of search and rescue, cyclone, storm damage and fire support. He has managed to drive numbers up from single digits to 60 volunteers to ensure future operations.

DR SUELLEN KELLY

Dr Kelly was a founding board member of Mid West Cat Shelter and has provided hours of free treatment and advice over the years. The level of care provided by the shelter is greatly influenced by her advice and support.

BRAD LETCH

Brad is the driving force behind the resurrection of the Tom Muir Arboretum. He gathered volunteers to help bring the deteriorated site back to life and researched its history, bringing about much community interest.

PETA HARRIS

Peta is one of the

Disco, a monthly meet-up primarily aimed at people with a disability. Dance Days Disco enhances the life of people living with a disability by providing a social outlet in a safe space.

MARIA HUTCHINS

Maria is instrumental in the day-to-day running of Mid West Cat Shelter. She selflessly does whatever is needed to help the charity run smoothly. She ensures the cats in care of the charity find the best forever homes.

SARAH O’MALLEY

Sarah runs the non-profit Regional Sounds which provides performance opportunities for new local original acts, leading to a thriving local music community. She works tirelessly to arrange free workshops and concerts.

since helped make the benefits of equine

to people in Geraldton. Equine

has mental health and physical benefits.

PAUL PETTET

Paul “Butch” is

in

organisations

Coast Maritime Heritage Association. He is involved in the development of Batavia Park.

LILLIAN PRATT

Lillian goes above and beyond, particularly for older community members, both as a CWA member and at the Walkaway Station Museum. Lillian organised Companion Time, bringing together the elderly from surrounding towns.

VIC MCCABE

Vic has been in the tyre industry for close to 40 years going above and beyond, especially for those in dire circumstances. He has mentored many young men, shaping them into leaders who put back into the community.

HANNAH MILES

Hannah, from a very young age, has cared about the environment, cleaning up beaches in Geraldton and surroundings every weekend with no reward. She has picked up so much litter off her own back just to help our local wildlife.

TANYA RUBERY

Tanya is one of the founding members of Dance Days Disco, a monthly meet-up primarily aimed at people with a disability. Dance Days Disco enhances the life of people living with a disability by providing a social outlet in a safe space.

BOB TAYLOR

Bob epitomises the volunteering ethic and is passionate about clean-up activities. He has spent hours collecting rubbish, as well as clearing illegal dumps. His efforts have enhanced the visual appeal of our local environment.

DANIEL TREASURE

Daniel is an active member of various volunteer organisations including the Moonyoonooka Bush Fire Brigade, Woorree Scout Group and SES. He is a mentor and has undertaken mental health training to help others.

AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS MULLEWA

PESONA INDONESIA

GERALDTON

Pesona Indonesia is a non-profit organisation that is actively engaged in the community, including organising free soup for elderly and homeless.

MARINA PARK RUN

Marina Park Run is a weekly 5km walk/run organised by volunteers.

Marina Park Run provides a supportive environment for non-competitive exercise and is especially beneficial for those who may otherwise be isolated.

ROHAN PROWSE

Rohan commits hours to collecting information for Friday circulars about workshops and events so people can be involved in the community. He also works for Fusion, an organisation dedicated to supporting young people.

JODI REILLY

Jodi is a pillar of the community. She gives back through volunteering at APEX Midwest, helping friends, family and strangers. She has started a free weekly Saturday morning swim that welcomes everyone.

CHARMAINE TREZONA

Charmaine is a real life angel and has been involved in a number of charities and volunteer organisations, including the Rotary Club of Geraldton, Centacare, and St John WA as an ambulance officer.

JAYNE WALLACE

Jayne goes above and beyond for young people, particularly in her role at PCYC. Jayne co-runs a girls group, called SAFEsistas, supporting young, at-risk girls to learn, give back to the community, have fun and feel safe.

CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT

Christopher has treated local construction workers with dignity and support amidst the toughest boom we have seen in generations. He genuinely cares and respects people and displays good values.

ANTHONY CRITCH

MULLEWA MUSTER AND RODEO

The Mullewa Muster and Rodeo is a major event that has been operating for nine years, bringing tourism to the town of Mullewa. The dedicated volunteer committee puts in time and effort for this event year-round, making it a highlight in the Midwest.

NATASCHA OSTERMEIER GRAY

Natascha established Riding for the Disabled in 2001 and has

therapy accessible

therapy

engaged

various volunteer

including Marine Rescue Geraldton, Midwest Aero Club and Batavia

founding members of Dance Days

JOHN PEET

John has contributed to the community of Mullewa by helping sick people access medical aid as a volunteer ambulance driver for St John WA. He is a role model for the community, actively encouraging others to volunteer.

Anthony ‘Tony’ has helped preserve many historic locations for generations to come and has been the driving force for the Tenindewa Stockyards renewal, as well as the renewal of the Pindar town site.