West Australians reflect, respect and celebrate our country’s continuing story on Australia Day 2024
From citizenship ceremonies to festivals and fireworks – hundreds of thousands of West Australians united on Australia Day 2024 to Reflect Respect Celebrate.
The celebration of our many cultures and rich diversity was prominent throughout community events, from the culture of our First Nations’ people dating back 65,000 years represented with craftmaking, interactive artworks and storytelling, to the welcoming of new citizens and incorporating their culture into events to increase a sense of belonging.
In his Australia Day address, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia and Auspire Patron, encouraged new citizens to “cherish your background and heritage. Australia has a lot to offer those who get involved in their community.”
On Australia Day morning, Auspire introduced a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to the annual community breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Heirisson at Victoria Gardens. The Welcome was delivered by Noongar Elder, Barry Winmar, who was accompanied by Aboriginal dancers and a didgeridoo player.
Later in the day and heading west along the Swan River to Langley Park, Auspire presented the Reflect Respect Celebrate Film Dome, which played films inspired by the history and storytelling of Aboriginal people, including first-hand accounts from Elders and stories featuring WA’s unique flora and fauna. The day saw the premiere of new film, Koora Koora: A Long Long Time Ago, inspired by the stories of Aboriginal Elder, Theresa Walley.
Just down the road, the annual Birak Concert offered live music and arts and crafts stalls in the Supreme Court Gardens, closing just before the spectacular Light Show of drones and fireworks.
See all of our photos from Australia Day 2024 here.
Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
