Celebrating Australia Day our way

Nicole Asher, BUNBURY HERALDBunbury Herald

Tue, 27 January 2015 5:16PM

Celebrating Australay Day our way Credit: Bunbury Herald

Australia Day celebrations kicked off at Bunbury's Bicentennial Square with the smell of barbecued breakfast in the air and Australian flags waving in the breeze.

More than 300 people attended the Silver Chain Australia Day Breakfast before Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan announced the Australia Day awards.

While some people tucked into the breakfast others took part in the Bunbury Runners Club's annual fun run.Alison Comparti was announced Bunbury Citizen of the Year and awarded the Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Award.

Her award was in recognition of work she has done while on the board of Morrissey Homestead and the South West Refuge and as a Justice of the Peace.

Mrs Comparti, who was also a recipient of the Regional Achievement and Community Award for volunteering and community services, said being recognised at a local level was special.

"I think the local achievement awards mean so much because it's recognising that you make a difference in your own community," she said.

"There were a lot of nominations and everyone deserves an award for the fact they were nominated."

Mr Brennan described Mrs Comparti as an active member of many Bunbury-based support agencies, giving enormous amounts of time, energy and talent for the benefit of the local community.

Relay For Life Bunbury South West was named the community group or event of the year for the Bunbury and Premier's awards.

Since 2003 the Bunbury relay has raised $3 million for Cancer Council WA.

Relay For Life Bunbury South West committee chairman Leigh Ritchie said the relay brought together people from all walks of life with the common goal of raising money for cancer support and research.

Bunbury Mission to Seafarers and Friends of Big Swamp were recognised with the Wilcox Brown Perpetual Trophy.

Activities continued throughout the day yesterday and culminated in the annual Bunbury Skyfest last night.

Celebrating Australia Day our way

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