Published on Tuesday, 28 January 2025 at 3:46:50 PM
On Sunday January 26, Bridgetown welcomed Australia Day 2025 with a cool, drizzly morning that set a refreshing tone for the day’s events at the Bridgetown Pool.
The day began early with a traditional BBQ Breakfast prepared by Shire Councillors and staff at 7:30 am, followed by the Shire’s official welcome and celebrations led by Shire President, Cr Tracy Lansdell. In her opening remarks, Cr Lansdell invited everyone to reflect on our past and envision the nation we aspire to be. She emphasised that each of us plays a vital role in weaving Australia’s rich tapestry, reminding us that change begins with individual actions, shaping tomorrow’s stories.
The annual Citizen of the Year Awards ceremony commenced official proceedings, recognising the contributions of some of the region’s most dedicated and compassionate individuals.
This year’s Award recipients were:
- Lisa Pratico – Citizen of the Year
- Didith Atkin – Senior Citizen of the Year
- Matilda (Tilly) Miller – Youth Citizen of the Year
- Bridgetown Greenbushes Tourism Association – Group Citizen of the Year
The morning also marked a special moment as Australian Citizenship was conferred upon two Bridgetown-Greenbushes residents, Emma Cheesman and Karl Morris, both originally from New Zealand.
With support from the National Australia Day Council, a lineup of FREE community events continued throughout the day which included free entry to the Bridgetown Pool and the ever-popular pool inflatables for the kids.
Local talents, Charlie Youngson and MDV Band, set the tone for the afternoon, filling the air with live music and creating a vibrant atmosphere, drawing a young crowd of movers and groovers. Early evening a Multicultural Buffet brought the community together with over 470 attendees enjoying a variety of dishes from South Africa, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Japan, the Philippines, and Ireland to name a few, highlighting the cultural diversity of our amazing community.
The evening concluded on a cooler note with a special outdoor film screening of ‘RAMS’ (filmed locally in the Great Southern town of Mt Barker) with teens watching the movie from their favourite floaties in the pool.
The extended Australia Day Community event was a fantastic initiative by Shire staff, showcasing the power of community spirit. The Shire extends a heartfelt thank you to Shire Councillors and staff; our talented local musicians Mary Myvanwy, Charlie, Marisa and Mark; Pip Mills from Bridgetown Pottery for coordinating the incredible Multicultural Buffet and the extra helpers who made the day a success. Most importantly, we thank our amazing community for coming together to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and what it means to be Australian.
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