WA Day 2020: If not Geraldton, where in WA would you live?

It’s WA Day on June 1, the State celebrating the founding of WA in 1829. In recent times, WA has been an island within an island. We asked some locals if they didn’t live in Geraldton, where in WA would be their top choice. Dave Fiorenza (operator DL Aqua) Busselton. It’s big enough, it’s small enough. It’s out of the way, but it’s not out of the way. I wouldn’t go north of Geraldton. Janelle Phillips (musician, sportswoman) It’s easy. Some-where between Busselton and Margaret River — because of the (beautiful) bike trails. My family and I love them. Trudi Cornish (manager, Library Heritage and Gallery) Kalgoorlie. Once that place is in your blood, it doesn’t leave. We had 16 years there, had kids, made great friends and had best times at the races and the like. Awesome place. Mike Bowley (chairman, Midwest Sports Federation) Dongara. A lovely little town, bit closer to the big city, but not too far from Geraldton. That’ll do me. (Have they got a rum factory?) Mat Wundenberg (captain, Geraldton Buccaneers) I love Bremer Bay and Dunsborough, But it’s too cold down south and too hot up north. Got me stumped. Kelly Eastough (operations manager, Bendigo Bank) Haven’t thought about it, but six months in the north (winter) and six months in the south (summer). Kyme Rigter (general manager, Rigter’s Supermarkets) Haven’t seen enough places, but Geraldton’s pretty hard to beat. I can often get to work without getting a traffic light. We’ve got infrastructure, we’re big enough but small enough. Shane Van Styn (mayor) Busselton — and I haven’t even been there. Don’t know if I would like the cold, but I know people who are supportive — and Busselton has been supportive of us in the lockdown of borders. I’ve been to virtually everywhere in WA, but not Busselton. But I’ll give it a go. Donna Payne (Brunch Break cafe) My heart is in Perth because of family there, parents, sister, Ron’s (husband) brother, nieces and nephews. Love Busselton and the South West, but too cold. Wouldn’t go further north. Sally McKenzie (physiotherapist, surf co-ordinator) Exmouth. It’s got surf and though bit hot in summer, it’s good overall.