Fireworks sponsor Europcar WA to help Geraldton’s Australia Day celebrations go off with a bang

A fireworks finale, an eclectic mix of musical performers, a unique welcome to country ceremony, more Australian citizens welcomed into the fold and the community’s unsung heroes singled out — Geraldton’s 2022 Australia Day celebrations are set to go off with a big bang.

The City of Greater Geraldton has revealed some of its plans for the Wednesday, January 26 event, at Stow Gardens on Geraldton’s foreshore.

Celebrations officially start at 2pm, although there will be earlier activities, and the fireworks display at the end of this year’s event have been made possible by first-time sponsor, local vehicle rental company Europcar WA.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was “pumped” to have Europcar WA, once known as Thrifty Car and Truck Rental WA, on board as the 2022 Australia Day fireworks sponsor.

“The community love fireworks and I know this vibrant display will bring joy and excitement to many,” he said.

“We appreciate Europcar WA’s support and look forward to seeing people come together for a respectful Australia Day event that acknowledges all members of the community.”

Europcar WA Geraldton branch manager Dylan Corbett said backing the fireworks display, to start about 8.30pm, was an exciting opportunity.

“We are looking forward to being involved in the Australia Day fireworks for the first time and we always look forward to being able to support the Geraldton community,” he said.

The City’s Australia Day program is full of “respectful and inclusive” events. The events program will be made public next week.

But the Guardian can reveal that singer-songwriter Grace Barbe will be the headline act, supported by local musicians Midnight Gypsies, Jilkamarta Keesha Forrest Pananka and Harvest Guide as well as a performance by the Wilinyu Dancers.

Midnight Gypsies is led by Geraldton’s Alexia Parenzee and form part of the newly established not-for-profit local organisation Regional Sounds.

The 2022 Australia Day ambassador is Perth economist and non-profit executive Conrad Liveris.

Elder Derek Councillor, who runs cultural Dreamtime tour business Daarrgi Naaguja, will lead a unique Australia Day smoking ceremony, and the 32 people becoming Australian citizens on the day have the chance to be involved in this official welcome to country.

Dozens of individuals and groups have been nominated for the Community Citizen of the Year awards.

BREAKOUT

GERALDTON

Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards

Community Citizen of the Year (Overall)

Alice Bishop

Amie Atkinson

Amy Teakle

Carol Sherman

Dayle Wynne

Debbie Carson

Denise Power

Di Gilleland

Hanjie Davis

Janelle Ende

Jason McCarthy

Jodi Reilly

Joshua Murray

Mercy Salimi

Michael Trowbridge

Robert Symington

Roger Cefai

Shermy Coleman

Tina Lawon

Wayne Hosking

Senior Community Citizen of the Year

Coral Pridmore

Glenda Blyth

Young Community Citizen of the Year

Bella Quartermaine

Indi Reilly

Samuel O’Breza

Stuart Sillery

Tamesha Krackour

Active Citizenship Award

11th Battalion Living History Unit

APEX Geraldton

Community Nursery Volunteers

Foodbank

Geraldton Community Toy Library

Geraldton Hospital Auxillary

Greenough Museum and Gardens

HMAS Sydney II Volunteer Tour Guides

Marine Rescue Geraldton

Midwest Multicultural Association

Rotary Club of Geraldton

State Emergency Services WA

City of Greater Geraldton Young Achiever of the Year

Bella Quartermaine

Indi Reilly

Samuel O’Breza

Tamesha Krackour

MULLEWA

Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Awards

Melinda Weir

Andrew Messina

Helen Byron

Teresa Curtis

Lloyd Morgan

Sam Messina