What’s on in the lower South West on Australia Day

With Australia Day coming up on Friday, the Manjimup-Bridgetown Times has your guide to all the events in the lower South West.

Shire of Manjimup

Unlike other shires in the region, the Shire of Manjimup’s namesake town is not hosting citizen of the year awards on January 26.

The council voted in October last year to move the awards away from Australia Day. They were presented this year on Monday.

Shire president Donelle Buegge called on the Federal and State governments to come out with a definitive stance on the date, rather than leaving the burden of making contentious decisions to local governments.

“I understand that Australia Day is very important for a lot of people, it’s also controversial for a lot of other people,” she said.

“To have that leadership from higher up would be great.”

The shire will still have events on the day, with Walpole hosting its annual Av’ A G’Day celebrations alongside the Walpole Community Markets and Pemberton hosting a breakfast in the morning before live music in the evening.

Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes

The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes has opted to keep its citizen of the year awards on January 26.

Shire president Jenny Mountford said last year any decision on shifting events from the day would be based on community sentiment.

“There hasn’t been any drive or indication from the community to move the date or push back any ceremonies on Australia Day,” she said.

Worthy citizens will be recognised as part of the shire’s Australia Day Breakfast at the Bridgetown Aquatic Centre, with free entry to the pool from 7.30am to 10.30am.

Shire councillors will prepare a free barbecue breakfast for attendees, who are encouraged to bring their own plates and cups. No glass or ceramics allowed.

Shire of Boyup Brook

The Shire of Boyup Brook will host its January 26 celebrations at Sandakan Park, with the nation’s flag being raised at 8.30am to open proceedings.

Community honours including young achiever of the year, sportsperson of the year, the Kevin Henderson memorial award and citizen of the year will be presented before a free breakfast is made available.

The Boyup Brook Community Pool is free to enter from noon.

Shire of Nannup

The Shire of Nannup will open its celebrations on the evening of January 25 with an outdoor screening of Bran Nue Dae — a film about the journey of an Aboriginal boy who runs away from boarding school in Perth to go back home to Broome — at Foreshore Park.

The gates open at 6.45pm and the screening will start at 7.30pm.

The shire will then host its Australia Day breakfast at the same venue the following morning at 8am, with the Nannup Lions Club running the barbecue.