In Pictures: Australia Day celebrated across the Shire of Harvey

Shire of Harvey residents donned their masks as they packed parks, showgrounds and recreational centres for community breakfasts set to kick off the region’s Australia Day celebrations.

The hall of the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre was filled with a smorgasbord of classic Aussie breakfast foods for a community breakfast to begin the town’s January 26 celebrations.

After a joint chorus of the Australian National Anthem, Noongar elder Lesley Ugle gave a welcome to country backed by the sounds of the digeridoo — played by Whudjuk man Dakota Baker — with new residents being officially sworn in during the Shire of Harvey’s citizenship ceremonies.

Live-streamed via Harvey Community radio, the town’s celebrations were heard from across the globe to make sure the families of new citizens did not miss out.

Ridley Place Foreshore was packed with residents, State Emergency Service members as well as community clubs and soon-to-be citizens for Australind’s Australia Day celebrations.

After a classic Australian breakfast of bacon, eggs and baked beans Australind residents could be heard singing the Australian National Anthem led by local band The Skeleton Crew.

Welcomed to country by Noongar elder and pastor Dennis Jetta, the new citizens gave the pledge and were sworn in by Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett.

Brunswick held its Australia Day breakfast at the Tom Pearson Pavilion, decorated with flags, signs and filled with food, the morning saw a turnout of about 170 residents.

Citizen of the year award winners were announced, with Thomas Cross winning the Young Community Citizen of the Year Award, Julianne Hill the Community Citizen of the Year award and the Brunswick Agricultural Society winning the Active Citizen Award for a Community Group.

The Binningup Country Club held its Australia Day morning tea, with more than 50 locals embracing the event and enjoying good food and good company.

Several volunteers worked tirelessly to provide the community with a delicious breakfast that satisfied all comers.

After breakfast, Harvey Shire deputy president Michelle Campbell spoke and named Sue Della as Binningup’s Community Citizen of the Year, much to the delight of those in attendance.