January 26 festivities to be extended

Barbecues will be firing up at Town Beach as Australia Day celebrations roll around.

Thousands of eggs and sausages and kilos of bacon are set to be enjoyed by community residents during a “bigger, better community breakfast”.

Broome’s Lions, Lioness and Rotary clubs, Roebuck Lodge and the Men’s Shed will once again be taking the helm hosting the breakfast, along with the rest of the day’s festivities.

Broome Lions Club president Chris Mitchell said the activities had been extended to include the early afternoon, allowing for a longer celebration.

“The Shire had decided to extend the family event so it will conclude at 1pm,” he said.

“We’ve got a team of about 40 volunteers from four different clubs and we’re expecting plenty of food from the breakfast and participating food vans to feed around 1000 community members.

“The day will be all about celebrating what is great about our country and bringing every member of the Broome community — from all walks of life — together.”

Broome Shire president Harold Tracey echoed Mr Mitchell’s views, adding Australia Day was also an opportunity for the community to welcome new Australian citizens and recognise those who contribute to the community.

Almost 30 people from 10 different countries will definitely have cause for celebration as they will be featured in this year’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.

Several residents will also be acknowledged for their services to Broome in the Community Citizen of the Year award ceremony.

Town Beach will also showcase plenty of entertainment throughout the day, including a bouncy castle, water slide and the thong-throwing competition.

A line-up of local musicians will also be performing on Australia Day, including Scott McDougall, Maddi Davies and Friends, Paul Boon and George Bishop, and Dan Guidera.