Australia Day: Shire of Capel welcomes new citizens, celebrates community heroes in ceremony

From welcoming new Australian citizens to celebrating the community efforts of a collective of residents, the Shire of Capel had plenty to reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia Day.

The Shire of Capel hosted its annual Australia Day citizenship and community awards ceremony at the Erle Scott Reserve last Thursday with people gathering to reflect on the Australian values of freedom, respect, equality and a fair go.

Residents and visitors were joined by Capel Shire president Doug Kitchen, deputy president Sebastian Schiano, councillors Rosina Mogg, Peter McCleery, Christine Terrantory and Kieran Noonan, along with Bunbury MLA Don Punch and Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns.

Local musician Maya Ixchell was on hand to provide live entertainment at the ceremony along with a rousing rendition of the Australian national anthem, along with guest speaker Dr John Newnham, a University of Western Australia obstetrics professor and 2020 WA Senior Australian of the Year.

During the ceremony, attendees heard inspiring stories of people serving their local community and welcomed 31 new Australian citizens from seven countries.

Joelian Ashe was named the Shire of Capel’s young citizen of the year, Jenni Brown was named the 2023 community citizen, Barbara Roberts was the winner of the senior community citizen award, and the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group was the winner of the community group award.

The Capel Bowls Club and Nyah Mulgrew also won Act Belong Commit awards to acknowledge their ongoing contributions to the community.