Australia Day a hit in Albany

After much controversy over the axing of Albany’s community Australia Day events last year, residents embraced the chance to attend a breakfast and outdoor cinema event put on by the City of Albany on Sunday.

Hundreds of people started their Australia Day with a big breakfast at Middleton Beach, and just as many ended it with the screening of Muriel’s Wedding in Eyre Park.

While many chose to enjoy bacon, eggs and coffee to start Australia Day, several hundred decided to compete in the Men’s Resource Centre Australia Day fun run and family walk.

The 9km fun run from Middleton Beach to Emu Point helped raise funds to assist in the more efficient delivery of wellness checks in Albany.

The attention then turned upstairs to Albany Surf Life Saving Club for the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards and Citizenship ceremonies.

Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson, City of Albany mayor Dennis Wellington and Albany MP Peter Watson were on hand to meet the new citizens.

“I would like to congratulate our new citizens,” Mr Wellington said.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone, congratulations and I hope you have a great Australian future.”

There were 77 new Australia citizens in the Albany area.

The Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards were then presented with awards recognising community contribution and participation in the region.

Albany man Peter Stewart took out the open category Citizenship Award after being nominated by seven different community groups for his environmental conservation work.

North Albany Senior High School student Dominic Brain was awarded the under-25 prize for his volunteer work with Princess Royal Fortress and being a member of the Albany Youth Advisory Council.

Albany PCYC was awarded the Community Group award for its Strike 2 drop-in service that operates every Friday night.