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Australia Day in Merredin

Published on Monday, 10 February 2020 at 12:51:45 PM

Celebrations for Australia Day kicked off at the Merredin CRC front lawn for the annual Australia Day breakfast. Community members gathered together in celebration of our Nation and its people. As part of the Australia Day Breakfast, the Shire of Merredin also conducted the Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year Awards.

Shire President Julie Flockart, along with Acting Chief Executive Officer Mark Dacombe, presented the awards on the main stage.  The nominees for Citizen of the Year were
announced as Donna Crook, Gemma Romeo, Daina Sutherland, and Malcolm Willis. The nominees were presented with their certificates and stood standing next to the stage while the Shire President announced the winner of the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award as Donna Crook.

Donna was awarded Citizen of the Year due to her passion for the people of Merredin and the time she has spent giving back to the community in various ways, whether it be through attending committee meetings, driving the ambulance, or coaching the local Basketball team.

Next, the nominees for Senior Citizen of the Year were announced as Irene Bain and Roy Butler. Both nominees made their way to the stage and collected their certificates from the Shire President. The winner was announced as Irene Bain.

Irene was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year because she helps her peers in numerous ways, whether it be taking them shopping, to a doctor’s appointment, or their pet to a vet. Irene is always there offering advice and a helping hand to those who need.

From Left: Acting CEO Mark Dacombe, Donna Crook, Irene Bain, and Shire President Julie Flockart.

The Australia Day celebrations continued into the afternoon at the Merredin District Olympic Swimming Pool. From 12.00pm onwards the pool was open and free entry was granted to everyone who wanted to come and join in the pool party. A sausage sizzle lunch was provided for free, as well as face painting, games, and fun activities. Approximately 330 people came through the gate with more than 350 sausages eaten, as kids and their families enjoyed the cool water under the hot sun.

Families enjoyed the sun and a BBQ at the Merredin Swimming Pool

At 2.00pm, Cummins Theatre opened its doors for Fringe World’s Circus Spectacular. 80+ people enjoyed acts from Magician Jon Madd, and YUCK Circus (see pictured below), while the event was hosted by Consensual Connie. Everyone had a fantastic time being wowed by the incredible performances. This event was part of Tour 1 of FRINGE WORLD's Outer Fringe Tour, a selection of shows on the road to four regional towns across WA in January and February.

Photo: Fringe Festival at Cummins Theatre

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