City to celebrate in style

As the sun rises tomorrow morning, Rockingham and Kwinana families will be ready to pack the cricket set, sunscreen, esky and snags to celebrate all things Australia.

The City of Rockingham is preparing for record numbers at this year’s Australia Day celebrations, with fireworks set to light up the sky for the first time.

The foreshore will come alive with activity from 5pm with live entertainment, free activities and rides.

Fireworks will fly over the water from 8pm after the City received community feedback over a number of years.

Australia Day celebrations have taken place in Rockingham for more than 15 years and continues to be one of the most popular events nationwide.

The City will also welcome 70 new Australian citizens during a morning Australia Day ceremony.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said residents were lucky to live where the coast comes to life.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome these new citizens at what is our largest citizenship ceremony of the year,” he said.

Despite revellers being ready to celebrate Australia Day in style, police have reminded the Rockingham and Kwinana public to remain responsible.

Rockingham police officer-in- charge Senior Sergeant Brett Reyne said with the festivities in Fremantle postponed to January 28 this year, he expected a lot more people to flock to the Rockingham Foreshore.

“With the Australia Day celebrations on Thursday, Rockingham police want to remind the public that (the fireworks) on the foreshore is a family-friendly event, which means no alcohol,” he said.

“People found consuming or in possession of alcohol in a public place will be prosecuted and alcohol seized.”

The City is also reminding those attending celebrations on the Rockingham Foreshore to plan their parking before they set out on their journey, as the event attracts a high volume of people.

Mr Sammels said the event was one of the City’s busiest and parking would be limited.

“The City’s rangers will be targeting hotspots along the foreshore and other popular parking zones throughout the day to ensure the safety of event patrons and to minimise traffic congestion,” he said.

“I encourage people driving to the event to plan their parking before they get here to ensure they get the most out of the celebrations.”

Celebrations for the City of Kwinana will take place on Calista Oval from 9am, with residents able to enjoy a free breakfast, ice creams, activities and the new Kwinana Adventure Playground.

Kwinana police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Anthony Pymm asked that people enjoy themselves on the day and to respect one another.