Minnawarra Park transformed into an Australiana extravaganza

Minnawarra and Memorial parks were transformed into a tapestry of Australiana, when over 30,000 Australia Day goers descended upon Armadale to embrace everything that is great about our country.

Festivities kicked off with a stellar line up of talent including Mungart Yongah aboriginal dancers, Tobias, Ava Sharp, The Family Shoveller Band, and the Natasha Eldridge Band, who took to the stage to entertain the crowd while young people and their families enjoyed carnival rides, games and a variety of cuisines.

The highlight of the evening, the spectacular fireworks, were let free to light up the sky from 8.30pm to the all Australian soundtrack, before tribute band, the Australian AC/DC Experience put on a show stopping performance. 

City of Armadale Mayor Ruth Butterfield said the heat did not deter a record crowd from coming to the City Centre for the City’s first Australia Day event in the new decade.

“It was lovely to see so many families and friends coming together to enjoy the pre fireworks activities, and entertainment in our beautiful park lands. The free kids’ splash zone and water slide was particularly popular with families with younger children. Many people chose to bring a picnic rug and stake out the perfect place to enjoy the talented musicians performing on stage.
 
“The City works hard to plan and deliver quality, safe and family friendly events such as this and the feedback from the community has been extremely positive.  We look forward to planning and providing the community with more events which are fun and engaging, throughout the year.”

Over 100 residents were also welcomed as new citizens at a private citizenship ceremony before the big event, as part of the City’s annual Australia Day celebrations.

“I congratulate all of our residents who received their citizenship on Australia Day. Receiving Australian Citizenship is a proud moment for many immigrants and their families and is one of the highest honours from the Australian government.
 
“We have a very multicultural community, with approximately 35% of people in the City of Armadale were born overseas.
 
“Our citizenship ceremonies symbolise unity, bringing our diverse community together and our commitment to Australia.”

Volunteers also raised funds across the event for the Armadale City Concert Band, the Harrisdale ARKS Rugby Union Football Club, and the Salvation Army’s bushfire appeal.