Thousands flock to foreshore for Australia Day celebrations

The South Perth Foreshore was once again a hot spot for viewing the Australia Day fireworks on Sunday 26 January 2020. 

More than 250,000 people were estimated to have attended festivities across South Perth, Victoria Park, Langley Park and Supreme Court Gardens, and Kings Park throughout the day. 

The City of South Perth’s Celebration Zone, supported by Lotterywest, offered a range of family-friendly activities to keep visitors entertained from 3-7.30pm, right before the City of Perth Skyworks began. 

The Celebration Zone had a vintage theme, with vintage games, an acrobat circus, wheel of fortune and a new giant toddler music park just some of the 100+ attractions to amaze and entertain families this year. 

In recognition of those affected by the bushfires across the country, the City supported the City of Perth’s fundraising efforts, with volunteers out and about with collection tins in the Celebration Zone and EFTPOS at the information tent. An official fundraising figure will be announced by the City of Perth in the coming days.

The City of South Perth’s program of events began at 8am with the Australia Day Morning Ceremony, which included a flag raising, Citizenship Ceremony and presentation of a number of awards. 

The City welcomed 205 conferees as new Australian citizens at what was the City’s largest ever Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony in South Perth’s history. 

The Auspire Community Citizen of the Year Awards, the Ted Maslen Award for the highest achieving student in South Perth, and the Honorary Freeman of the City title were presented at the ceremony. 

The Great Aussie Breakfast followed at 9.30am, with all proceeds raised going back to the community. 

City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner was pleased to participate in his first Australia Day Ceremony since being elected mayor, and to see residents and visitors enjoying such a fantastic part of the City.

“Sir James Mitchell Park on the South Perth Foreshore is the perfect vantage point for Western Australians to watch the City of Perth fireworks, and as always, the Celebration Zone supported by Lotterywest delivered on its promise of fun for the whole family,” Mayor Milner said. 

“The City is pleased to be able to offer an event providing a safe, alcohol and smoke free environment for families and it was great to see everyone enjoying the area throughout the day before being amazed by the excellent fireworks display.

“It was an honour to help host the morning ceremony, to welcome so many new Australians and play a part in the City’s Australia Day proceedings. It was also wonderful to see so many people support the community fundraising efforts. The community’s generosity will help support those in need across the country.” 

Get social and share your best photos or videos from Australia Day with us. Simply tag the City on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #discoversouthperth or #ausdaysouthperth.