Published on Friday, 9 August 2024 at 3:12:03 PM
In a testament to community spirit, the official opening of the new park took place on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, despite heavy rain, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic residents.
The event began with a Welcome to Country performed by Mick Hayden, accompanied by the resonant sounds of the didgeridoo. Following the Welcome to Country, Shire President Mark McKenzie and Hon. Darren West MLC delivered speeches, highlighting the significance of the new park for the community. The formal ceremony concluded with the official ribbon-cutting, marking the park’s inauguration.
The opening saw a diverse turnout, including representatives from Lotterywest, the students from St. Mary's School, past councillors, Shire staff, local businesses and community groups, and numerous community members. The rain, though persistent, did not dampen the spirits of those in attendance.
Shire President Mark McKenzie expressed his gratitude to the community for their support. “To those who provided Letters of Support, participated in the community consultation, assisted with aspects of the project, and shared thoughts and ideas for the park, your encouragement and advocacy played a crucial role in rallying support and helping to bring this vision to fruition, and we couldn’t have done it without you,” Councillor McKenzie said.
Hon. Darren West MLC echoed these sentiments, highlighting the park as a significant addition to the town’s amenities.
After the official proceedings, attendees were treated to a free sausage sizzle provided by the Shire, before the children from St. Mary's School eagerly took to the playground equipment, their laughter echoing in every corner of the park. Adults were not left out, enjoying free coffee as they mingled and admired the new park facilities.
Later in the day, a second opening ceremony was held after school hours, which attracted hundreds of residents. This evening event featured various activities and treats, including face painting, a free sausage sizzle, icy poles, and a thrilling 3x3 basketball competition. The additional celebration provided another opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the new park.
Special thanks to our project partners, Lotterywest and the Federal Government, without their generous support, we would not have been able to transform the community dream for this space into a reality.
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