Around 750 people gathered at the City of Greater Geraldton’s official Australia Day afternoon celebration on the foreshore, just over half the number who had reserved tickets.City chief executive Ross McKim said the event was initially allowed up to 2500 guests, but after the State Government updated its COVID-19 event regulations and the City reviewed logistics to ensure community safety, ticket numbers were reduced to 1250. “While we are pleased that the community came together respectfully to welcome new citizens, celebrate the achievements of others and support local musicians and food trucks, we are disappointed that many ticket-holders did not attend the Australia Day comm-emorations, thus impact-ing others who wanted to attend the event but were unable as tickets had already been allocated,” he said. People enjoyed live music featuring local performances from Soundscapes of the Midwest from 5pm, 11-piece cover band Proof until 9.30pm, while food trucks were accessible to the general public outside the gates along the foreshore throughout the day.That morning in Mullewa, dozens of residents enjoyed the first of the day’s offerings from CGG at the Mullewa Swimming Pool, with families enjoying the facility and a sausage sizzle.Both events began with formal proceedings, including a welcome to country, addresses from Mayor Shane Van Styn, and community citizen and group of the year awards. Credit: The Geraldton Guardian/Elise Van Aken/Commander Spike Jones, Cadet Leading Seaman Oliver Easton, Lieutenant Ian Andrews and Petty Officer Mathew Cooper.
Ticket to a fun day
Elise Van Aken & Lisa FavazzoGeraldton Guardian
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