Fireworks in Wanneroo.
Camera IconFireworks in Wanneroo. Credit: Supplied/Jarvis Eyes

Australia Day festival could replace Wanneroo concert

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

THE City of Wanneroo could drop its annual concert this year to host a multicultural festival on Australia Day with fireworks.

A report due to be considered by the council next Tuesday recommends the City remove the Wanneroo Presents Concert from its 2019-20 program and add a multicultural festival instead.

The report said cost savings from the concert could be used for the festival, which would enhance value of infrastructure used for the Australia Day citizenship ceremony, including hiring the southern hemisphere’s biggest marquee.

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“A suggested format is a multicultural festival that includes food vendors, local talent including multicultural performers, stalls, food trucks and fireworks,” it said.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The report said last year’s concert cost almost $240,000 and on average about 8000 people attend the free annual event, for which 15,000 tickets are issued.

The City has held family-friendly concert at Wanneroo Showground since 2013 and past acts have included Birds of Tokyo and Xavier Rudd.

The report said the proposal, due to be considered at the July 30 council meeting, had been discussed with the City’s multicultural advisory and reconciliation action plan working groups.

It acknowledged cultural sensitivities around Australia Day and suggested involving Aboriginal representatives, avoiding ‘Australia Day’ in the name and holding the festival a day before or after January 26.

The report said Wanneroo’s Australia Day citizenship ceremony, which cost about $133,000 this year, was the biggest in WA and one of the biggest nationally with 2000 to 2500 attendees.

The City of Wanneroo’s 2019 Australia Day ceremony.
Camera IconThe City of Wanneroo’s 2019 Australia Day ceremony. Credit: Supplied/Supplied