Australia Day: City of Bunbury says initial cases could be to blame for big drop in crowds for events

The City of Bunbury says it is likely growing COVID-19 case numbers and exposure sites were at play, as less than half of the usual crowd numbers attended Australia Day celebrations at Bicentennial Square. It is believed between 10,000 and 15,000 revelers attended the precinct throughout Wednesday, including the citizenship ceremony, evening festivities and Skyfest fireworks display. It was the first time the City had hosted a fireworks event for two years, after the event was cancelled in 2021. Bunbury City Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the event would usually attract about 30,000 visitors. “We expect a number of factors contributed to a lower turnout, including the current COVID-19 situation,” he told the South Western Times. “The beauty of Bunbury’s fireworks display is that they can be viewed from vantage points across the City, and even outside of Bunbury, so while the numbers were down, we know that our community could still enjoy the show.” Wednesday’s celebrations came just two days after the first recorded case of COVID-19 in the South West for nearly two years. Mr Miguel said those who did gather for the festivities were “absolutely” doing the right thing when it came to mask protocols. City of Bunbury staff doubled as COVID marshals at the events. “It was great to see our community out and about and doing the right thing,” Mr Miguel said. The City also welcomed 118 new Australian citizens to its community during the ceremony on Wednesday morning. “It is always a proud moment when we are able to officially welcome new citizens in Bunbury and swearing in 118 on Australia Day was a great moment,” Mr Miguel said. “Bunbury has such a vibrant and diverse community, and it is fantastic to see people from countries across the world wanting to call not just Australia home, but Bunbury home.”