Thousands celebrate Australia Day in Geraldton as community stalwart wins top honour for second time

Gale force winds luckily didn’t force the cancellation of this year’s Australia Day fireworks as thousands turned up to Stow Gardens to watch the sparkling celebrations.

For most of the day organisers were unsure whether the annual fireworks would go ahead, with fears strong winds would blow embers into dry areas and pose a fire hazard.

But thankfully Geraldton’s famous winds were blowing off-shore, meaning the show went off without a hitch.

Mayor Shan Van Styn said it was a big relief for organisers.

“The fireworks are always an extremely popular element of our Australia Day celebrations and the wind had us on tenterhooks,” he said.

“Luckily it was blowing off shore so it didn’t pose a risk.

“Overall it was a fantastic turnout.”

More than 5000 people wandered down to the foreshore to take part in Wednesday’s festivities.

The Wilinyu Dancers put on a brilliant performance on the main stage before more than 40 new Australians were sworn in as part of the citizenship ceremony.

Aboriginal elder Derek Councillor led a welcome to country and smoking ceremony in a poignant reminder of the day’s significance.

Di Gilleland was then announced as the 2022 Community Citizen of the Year for her “unstoppable dedication” to volunteering with the Rotary Club of Geraldton.

It’s the second time Ms Gilleland has won the top Australia Day honour after she was recognised for the same award in 2017.

The former Master Builders Association regional manager devoted hundreds of hours of her time organising Rotary Club fundraising events like the Rotary Radio Auction, which last year raised more than $36,000 for community projects.

Speaking with the Guardian, Ms Gilleland said it was hard to believe she had won Community Citizen of the Year for a second time.

“I still can’t believe it — it should be shared around,” she said.

Ms Gilleland was holidaying in Ravensthorpe when he she heard the news. Her daughter Rebecca attended the ceremony in Geraldton to accept the award on her behalf.

Ms Gilleland said volunteering led to a health community and hoped the next generation of Geraldton residents would continue on the hard work.

The future is in good hands if the likes of Indi Reilly have anything to do with it.

The 10-year-old was awarded Young Achiever of the Year for her volunteer work with community group Apex.

Indi said she just likes helping people.

“I love everything about volunteering,” she said.

“Winning the award is not that different to being nominated.”

A challenging mission out at the Abrolhos Islands saw Geraldton Marine Rescue recognised for its work assisting mariners and saving lives.

Volunteer Jim McComb said he was immensely proud of everyone involved with the rescue organisation.

“I’ve been with Marine Rescue for 27 years and we have never failed in our duty,” he said.

“Everyone in the group is amazing.”

Bella Quartermaine won Young Community Citizen of the Year for her mentor role at PCYC, while Glenda Blyth took out Senior Community Citizen of the Year.

Plenty of families rocked up to groove along to the tunes of local acts such as Harvest Guide, while Perth artist Grace Barbe put on a stellar performance to close out the night.

Geraldton police said most people were well behaved, and only had to deal with a few minor incidents.