New citizens, awards, entertainment: How Geraldton marked Australia Day amid ongoing change-the-date debate

Australian flags were waved proudly, new citizens called Australian homes, locals were honoured for being extraordinary Aussies and the beach was the place to be.

Sounds like a typical Australia Day, but it was made even more so because of the fact that the celebrations were tempered by the ongoing divisive change the date debate.

While there were no protests staged in Geraldton, across Australia thousands gathered to call for Australia Day to be moved from January 26.

In hot conditions, many people flocked to Stow Gardens to enjoy a council-organised program of “respectful and inclusive” events and entertainment, including performances, rides, food stalls and an Aboriginal sand murals. As the mercury reached a peak of 35.7C at 12pm, many chose taking a dip in the ocean was the best way to mark Australia Day.

As the official program started at 3pm, 21 people became Australian citizens, down from last year’s total of 32.

Then, the community showed its appreciation to some local heroes, with the announcement of the Citizen of the Year awards.

Four local volunteers were recognised for their exceptional service in their community.

The Community Citizen of the Year was awarded to Nicholas Austin, the founder of Skate-Donate and leader of Infinity Skate. Mr Austin was recognised for his outreach program, collecting old skateboarding parts to give to disadvantaged youth while providing a safe place for active children.

Senior Community Citizen of the Year went to Karen Giles for donating more than 550 baby bundles for newborn bubs in Geraldton from donated and handmade items. She also volunteers as a nanny for new mothers to allow them time for themselves.

Young Community Citizen of the Year was Hannah Miles, who spends her time cleaning plastic and waste from our beaches every weekend. She’s passionate about the environment and protecting native wildlife.

And finally, the Active Citizenship Award was awarded to Marina Park Run, a volunteer organisation offering a 5km run in a supportive and non-competitive environment.

Mullewa’s Community Citizen of the Year was Anthony Critch for preserving historical sites and renewing other significant townsites.

John Jeet was awarded Mullewa’s Senior Community Citizen of the Year for being a volunteer ambulance driver for St John WA, helping sick people access to medical help and a constant role model for others.

Meanwhile, local Indigenous leaders reminded the community that January 26 was not a day of celebration for all Australians, but rather it should be a day of acknowledging our colonial past and coming together with people of all backgrounds to celebrate what we have.

Australia Day is, of course, a contentious day, and there were many others who chose not to celebrate.

Yamatji activist, academic and artist Charmaine Papertalk Green said Australia Day shouldn’t be marked on a date with such contentious history. January 26 marks the day in 1788 of the First Fleet’s landing at Sydney Cove.

“I think the date should be changed to allow Aboriginal people to feel included in the celebrations of this nation,” she said.

“To us, it’s a day of mourning. Some people call it survival day, some people call it invasion day, but it all points to a day of mourning.”

She also pointed out that Australia Day was not nearly as entrenched in the national culture as some may think.

“The date has only been around for 30 years, it’s nothing new to change the date. It’s not going to be the end of the world.”

Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Organisation CEO Wayne McDonald said he also believed the date should be changed.

“I agree it should be changed, it would be a good idea,” he said.

Other events staged during Australia Day included the Batavia Coast Veteran and Class Vehicle Club, which showed off 46 classic cars ranging from antiques from the 1920s and 30s to modern day mustangs.

The program of events was nothing short of entertaining for all ages with yoga, carnival rides, Aboriginal sand murals, circus activities and water sports. It was set to capped off by a fireworks display on Thursday night.

Although attending the events, some community leaders said they were open to the date being changed.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he celebrated Australia Day with the “massive range of inclusive activities” the City had organised along Geraldton Foreshore.

“January 26 is the date NSW was colonised and WA became its own colony later on, so technically by way of our system of federation, the date is irrelevant for our State,” he said.

Mr Van Styn said it wouldn’t bother him if the date changed.

“No doubt the change isn’t far away,” he said.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the decision rested with the Federal Government, but she endorsed measures that gave Indigenous communities a greater say, such as the Voice to Parliament.

Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Joanne Fabling said the chamber had not formed an opinion but it was an important conversation to be had for inclusivity.

“Further conversations need to be had and we’re guided by the measure of what research comes out. I imagine there will be surveys completed and guided by that,” she said.

Ms Fabling said the chamber always welcomed the conversation on how businesses felt and was their choice whether to operate or ignore the day.

“It’s early days for businesses to form how they feel about it,” she said.