Published on Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 12:00:00 AM
A vibrant crowd of over 300 residents and visitors gathered to celebrate Australia Day in Boddington on Saturday, 26 January 2025. The occasion was marked by a day filled with activities and community spirit.
This year, the Shire partnered with the Boddington Lions Club and Contract Aquatic Services to host a full-day program of events and activities at the Rodeo Grounds and Swimming Pool. Many communities across Australia, including the Shire of Boddington, received funding from the National Australia Day Council, allowing for an expanded range of activities that encouraged reflection, respect, and celebration.
The day began with the traditional community breakfast at the Rodeo Grounds, catered by the Boddington Lions Club and the CWA Quindanning/Boddington. This provided locals with a fantastic opportunity to reconnect as they returned from their summer holidays. The community breakfast highlighted Boddington's commitment to sustainability by minimising single-use waste, with Boddington RRR supplying reusable crockery and cutlery. Volunteers from the All Washed Up group donated their time for the seventh consecutive year to ensure that all items were cleaned and reused.
Formal proceedings commenced with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Eugene Smalberger, the Deputy Shire President. During the awards ceremony, the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Graeme Reynolds, with Cr. Lee Lewis, Cr. Hans Prandl, and Cr. Johan Van Heerden assisting. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Emma Martin, Kenneth Austic, Marek Barsinski, Ben Gartner, and Loren Bryant for their contributions to the Boddington community.
As temperatures rose, the Boddington Hospital Auxiliary operated a shuttle bus connecting the Rodeo Grounds to the Swimming Pool, where the Family Fun Day began. Attendees enjoyed a variety of pool inflatables, two inflatable waterslides, a dunk tank, and the Downpour Derby water game keeping everyone cool throughout the day. A selection of free takeaway food was provided by the Rusty Camp Oven and the Swimming Pool kiosk, generously funded by the Australia Day Council. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by live music performed by Alex Wayne.
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