Australia Day 2026 celebrated with fun and frivolity across the Mid West and Gascoyne

From honouring local legends and welcoming our newest citizens, to jumping off a jetty and taking part in a regatta on a makeshift vessel made of recycled beer cans — this is how the Mid West-Gascoyne celebrated Australia Day last week.

In Carnarvon, 14 people officially became Australian citizens, while litter legends Wayne and Jeanette Taylor won the community citizen of the year award and prolific volunteer Jana Eastwood was named senior community citizen of the year.

Carnarvon Church of Christ won the active citizenship award.

Despite windy conditions, the Carnarvon Fascine was the place to be in the afternoon, with a bouncy castle, fire show and fiery circus play.

Powerful cultural performances by The Gwoonwardu Boys and The Pundarra Dancers was a meaningful addition to the celebrations. The day culminated in a spectacular sky show.

Kalbarri put a unique twist on its Australia Day celebrations, with the community uniting for the inaugural Recycle Regatta.

A tug of war, slip n’ slide and face painting were all part of a jam-packed day on the foreshore.

In a social media post, local business Finlay’s Kalbarri wrote: “Days like this are a reminder of just how lucky we are to live, work and play on this incredible country, surrounded by nature, mateship and a bloody good lifestyle. Here’s to the simple things that make Australia what it is.”

Chapman Valley marked Australia Day with a morning tea and awards ceremony, where Kate Symes was named community citizen of the year and Chapman Valley Historical Society the community group of the year.

In Coorow, Ray Willoughby and Carl Ciml were named community citizens of the year.

The community flocked to the Port Denison foreshore to celebrate the national day.

“With family activities and entertainment throughout the day, it was wonderful to see the community come together in such a positive and respectful way,” the Shire of Irwin said.

The extraordinary work of ordinary residents was praised, with Kirsty Wilson winning community citizen of the year, Frances McAllen senior citizen of the year, Mieke Polam-Short young citizen of the year and Roadside Rubbish Relics taking out the active citizenship award.

At a community pool party at the Meekatharra War Memorial Swimming Pool, families enjoy a day and evening of swimming, inflatable pool fun, interactive games and a barbecue dinner.

“It was wonderful to see community members of all ages coming together to relax, connect and celebrate in a safe and welcoming environment,” the Shire of Meektharra said.

In Mt Magnet, Emma McKeown was crowned community citizen of the year, Marlu Murchison Football League the active citizen of the year, Old School Seniors Group the senior citizen of the year and Aurora Tyler the young citizen of the year at an Aussie Day breakfast and awards ceremony.

Shire president Jim McGorman was presented with an achievement award.

Australia Day in Three Springs was marked at the local aquatic centre with a barbecue breakfast and sausage sizzle, and where the efforts of outstanding volunteers were recognised.

“It was a wonderful morning filled with community spirit, gratitude and connection,” the Shire of Three Springs said.

“To the award recipients; your dedication, generosity and commitment to our community do not go unnoticed. Thank you for the difference you make every day.”

Community champions were honoured and new citizens welcomed in Exmouth at the Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool.

Heather Kay won the Auspire community citizen of the year and Exmouth Toy Library the active citizenship award.

Five new Australian citizens hailing from New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom also took the final step in their citizenship journeys as about 80 people gathered to mark the special occasion.

“I invite Exmouth to pause and reflect on our national history, the long and continuous histories of Australia and honour the traditional owner language groups of the land, sea and country on which we gather today,” shire president Matt Niikkula said.

“This is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the past and consider how we can contribute to a more inclusive and respectful future.

“We celebrate community members who have made a significant positive impact towards these values and simultaneously welcome new Australian citizens.”

In Shark Bay, there was a breakfast awards ceremony at the local bowling, sport and recreation centre where Lane Raven was named citizen of the year, Tayla Burton youth citizen, Julie Robins senior citizen, Shark Bay School Caterer’s Club the group/event and Chris Rewi awarded a community distinction.