Australia Day in Geraldton: Visit just what the doctor ordered

There are a handful of reasons why Dr Cheryl Kickett-Tucker is excited about spending the Australia Day weekend in Geraldton. First, she has relatives here and, second, it’s where she met her husband. Dr Kickett-Tucker, usually found at Curtin University, where she is a Research Fellow, or coaching basketball and life skills to youngsters in the Swan Valley, is the visiting 2020 Australia Day Ambassador for Geraldton and Mullewa. “It’s been quite a while since I visited Geraldton, the last time being when I met my husband at a basketball tournament, and I’m looking forward to spending a few days there and also visiting Mullewa, where I have some relatives,” she said. “Some of the messages I’m looking forward to sharing are how important it is to recognise the strengths, passions and capabilities of all Australians. “A community is stronger and happier when all members are treated with kindness and empathy.” Dr Kickett-Tucker has a long list of honours to her name, including being a Wadjuk traditional owner, author, founder of Kaat, Koort and Hoops (translated as Head, Heart and Hoops), playing in the Women’s National Basketball League for several seasons, and completing a PhD at Edith Cowan University, as well as founding the Pindi Pty Ltd Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Wellbeing. She was also honoured as Western Australia’s 2019 Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards. While in the Mid West, she will start the Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club Open Water Swim Challenge, visit Mullewa for the Australia Day WA Active Citizen of the Year Awards and present certificates to new Australians at a citizenship ceremony in Geraldton.