City of Greater Geraldton set to vote for New Year’s Eve fireworks to return to the foreshore

Geraldton residents could have a family friendly option to ring in the new year, with the City of Greater Geraldton set to vote on an event culminating in fireworks for the final day of 2024. In a motion ahead of this month’s council meeting, deputy mayor Natasha Colliver is putting forward the idea for the city to support the community with a celebratory event. She suggests local artists would perform at Stow Gardens with food and beverage trucks present, before a fireworks show on the foreshore to finish proceedings by 9pm. The council is considering a budget of $80,000, but if the motion passes, it will seek sponsorship for the fireworks to reduce costs by about 20 per cent. “Every year there is confusion in the community as to whether the city is providing new year celebrations, especially with respect to fireworks,” Cr Colliver wrote in her report. “It is not my expectation that the event be of the scale of Australia Day celebrations. Now that the city is in a slightly stronger financial position, I would like council to consider providing funds to hold a New Year’s Eve celebration.” Cr Colliver said it would be an exciting event, and an “appropriate expectation for a regional city”. “It’s been quite a long time since we’ve had a city event for new year’s,” she said. “We already hold a family friendly event, Sundays by the Sea. “What I’m asking is essentially an extension to that event.” Australia Day has been the only event the city has put on a fireworks display in recent times. In the past, official new year celebrations have been declined by the council due to budget concerns. Cr Colliver said not having a new year event has been a talking point of the community every year. “To be honest it’s been quite boring (not having a new year event),” she said. “Every year on Facebook the question gets asked, ‘what’s on? Are we having something?’ “It would be nice to get a family friendly event together.” Councillors will vote on the matter at next Tuesday’s council meeting.