Auspire - Australia Day Council of Western Australia.

This Australia Day, communities from all over the nation will come together to reflect on our history, respect our individual stories, and celebrate our diversity and it is this diversity that makes Australia the great country that it is.

Australia Day is a time to reflect on, respect and recognise connection and contribution from all who call Australia home. From Australia’s First Peoples and their unique place in the world, recognised and celebrated as the oldest continuous culture on earth, to the connections and contributions made across our migrant communities. Australia Day brings an opportunity for all Australians to unite to learn from our different backgrounds and experiences.

A significant 75 local councils and community groups in Western Australia received an Australia Day Community Event grant to assist and support them with their Australia Day activity; to bring local people and visitors together to reflect, respect and celebrate. This is testament to the value that Western Australians place on having a day to recognise and celebrate our National Identity, and unite together in an inclusive way.

First up in the morning, Auspire – Australia Day Council WA will be in East Perth to host a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country with local Noongar leaders as part of a  Community Breakfast with the Rotary Club of Heirisson in Victoria Gardens.

One of the biggest events of the day will be held at Langley Park in Perth, with a range of family and cultural entertainment and exciting activities within the City of Perth’s Australia Day Family Zone, including the Reflect Respect Celebrate Film Dome, hosted by Auspire – Australia Day Council WA, featuring inspiring, entertaining and educational short films. There is also a free fun photo booth and loads of giveaways for those that come down to watch the films.

The Birak Concert returns to the Supreme Court Gardens where everyone is invited to spend the afternoon celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities. In addition to the awesome entertainment on the stage, there are several fun activities including a community art canvas, Aboriginal market stalls and community service offerings, workshops, face painting and more.

Then as the sun goes down over Kings Park, all can enjoy a Fireworks and Drone Show being presented by The City of Perth. The event, assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Day Council. Families are encouraged to take note of road closures and plan their journey to and from the event.  For those driving into the city, a road closure map and list of carparks are available on Visit Perth.

“Australia Day is about the ever-evolving story of our nation – our history, our lives and most of all our people.” said Morgen Lewis, CEO of Auspire – Australia Day Council WA. “We are proud of our inclusive program for Australia Day 2024, which not only leans into our reconciliation journey with First Nations peoples by highlighting and celebrating the world’s oldest continuous culture’s contribution to our national identity, but also recognising the significant contribution, particularly in more recent years, the many waves of migration have had on shaping who we are as a people. There is no other occasion that offers the opportunity to do this like Australia Day.”

Whether you go to an organised event, gather with family and friends or take some time to be alone and reflect, Australia Day is a time to recognise we are all part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values the contribution of every citizen.

Find out how you can reflect, respect and celebrate with your community this Australia Day at an event near you at australiaday.org.au

Feature image courtesy of Town of Cottesloe