WA Day: Thousands of West Aussies enjoy festivities as AFL great Ben Cousins, Tony Galati cook up a storm
WA Day had a second chance to shine on Sunday after rain washed it out in June — bringing West Aussie families together for rides, entertainment, food, and fun on the Burswood Peninsula.
A silent disco, RAAF 79 Squadron Fly Over and a stellar lineup of musical acts drew thousands to the re-run event.
Perth basked in the warm late spring weather, with families milling at the Festival ahead of the evening’s entertainment, including concert performances from San Cisco and Eskimo Joe and fireworks and a 500-plus drone show above the Matagarup Bridge.
Patrons were also encouraged to take advantage of the free public transport available to Burswood Park which was part of fare-free Sundays for all Smartrider holders.
Scarborough father Peter Witbooi enjoyed the festivities with his six-year-old daughter Leah and said changing the date away from winter was a no-brainer.
“It’s WA Day — WA is all about summer weather. It just makes sense,” he said.
Mr Witbooi said Leah had enjoyed the free perks at this year’s event, including rides, entertainment and public transport to the festival.
Camera IconMr Witbooi said Leah had enjoyed the free perks at this year’s event. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
“It’s just a beautiful day with the sun out. WA Day, it’s always a great day to spend with family,” he said.
“My wife told me about it, it’s really awesome. Just the convenience that public transport is free today is great.”
The event is usually held annually across the WA Day long weekend in June but wet weather reduced Burswood Park to a swampy wasteland, prompting organisers to cancel the event at the eleventh hour.
It meant feature artists Guy Sebastian and Sneaky Sound System couldn’t make the new date, as well as a lineup of local talent.
It came after the event in 2023 had to be shut down early due to rain during popstar and Australian idol judge Amy Shark’s headline act.
Karrinyup mother Olivia Kanczkowska said she was drawn to this year’s event because of the cost-effective, family-friendly activities for her daughters Blanka, 8, Nadia, 5.
“I saw it on Facebook promoting free activities for children and fireworks, that’s why I came here. It’s good to have free options because I don’t have to pay for lots of activities,” she said.
WA personalities cooked to impress on the Spud Shed stage with Spud King Tony Galati himself leading the likes of West Coast great Ben Cousins and 7NEWS presenters Samantha Jolly, Rick Ardon, Ryan Daniels and Angela Tsun in the kitchen.
Camera IconAngela Tsun in pictured at the Spud Shed tent. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
Eskimo Joe are set to headline the main concert, along with Fremantle favourites San Cisco a popular choice as well as Great Gable and Noah Dillon.
The event’s cost-conscious nine free carnival rides included Jurassic Temple Ride, Dream Swinger, Dodgems, Cup and Saucer, bringing smiles to children’s faces throughout the day.
They were accompanied by a string of free educational and community activities supported by Alcoa — including Scitech, Spudshed, WA Museum, Lotterywest, Channel 7, The West, Nova and more.
The event also brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the State’s heritage and culture, with the animated ‘Wadjuk Dreaming’ Indigenous storytelling captivating audiences in the children’s zone.
The WA Day Festival is made possible thanks to support from the WA Government, Lotterywest and BHP and will be held in conjunction with The West Test between Australia and India at Optus Stadium on the same day.
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