Venues extend Australia-day party invites

Festivities will kick off with a Soroptimist International Australia Day Breakfast at 7am at Ibis Styles restaurant.

The event will include a buffet breakfast and outstanding members of the community will be recognised at the presentation of the Citizen of The Year and Sports Awards.

During the day YMCA and the Town of Port Hedland will host an Australia Day Pool Party at South Hedland Aquatic Centre. Enjoy a day in the sunshine between noon and 4pm, with a free sausage sizzle, ice-cream, water games and music.

In the evening head to Kevin Scott Oval for live music, bouncy castles, and food vans from 5pm.

The annual Citizenship Ceremony will take place at 5pm, followed by the Pilbara Ports Authority Fireworks spectacular.

The events are sponsored by Pilbara Ports Authority and supported by Centurion, Toxfree, The Esplanade, and the South Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

Below is the list of nominees for the Citizen of the Year and Sports Awards, to be presented at the Soroptimist Australia Day breakfast.

The Shire of East Pilbarahas prepared for another action-packed day of free celebrations with fun for the whole family in Newman, Marble Bar, and Nullagine.

Shire of East Pilbara president Lynne Craigie said Australia Day was one of the most important dates in the Shire of East Pilbara's calendar.

“Not only is it an opportunity to acknowledge our great country, but a chance to formally welcome our newest citizens and recognise those who are the recipients of the East Pilbara Citizens of the year,” she said. “It’s about celebrating who we are as a nation and who we are as a Shire.

“It’s our pleasure to host this event and provide our residents and visitors to the Shire a fantastic day of fun and activities across the region.”

The Australian Citizenship ceremony and presentation of the Australia Day Citizen of The Year awards will start at The Square at 9am.

The Aquatic Centre will be open between 11am and 5pm for residents to cool down and enjoy a range of water activities.

Blinky Bill, an animated adventure-comedy about an adventurous koala embarking on a journey across the Australian Outback will screen at The Square at 6pm. Relax under the stars with a free sausage sizzle before heading to Capricorn oval to wrap up the night with traditional fireworksat 8pm.

Marble Bar residents will celebrate Australia in the Great outdoors at the local aquatic centre with the fun starting at 9.30am. Citizen awards will take place at 10am and patrons can fuel up on a free brunch. Nullagine residents can enjoy an afternoon of water activities, games, and a free barbecue between 4pm and 6pm at Clemenson Street park.

A host of venues including the ones at right will be putting on Australia Day celebrations:

Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade will be having a barbecue on the Friday and playing the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown on Saturday, January 27.

The Last Chance

The Last Chance Tavern is hosting an Australia Day party inclusive of a sausage sizzle, DJ, give-aways, thong toss, all Aussie eating contest, meat and pavlova. This event is 18+ only.

The Heddy

The Heddy will be open from 10am until late. Enjoy a sausage sizzle over-looking the ocean while listening to Aussie songs on the Jukebox.

Whim Creek Hotel

Fancy a short drive? Whim Creek Hotel is hosting a Family Fun Long Weekend of activities from Friday until Monday. Backyard cricket, water activities, tug of war, thong-throwing, meals, cold beer, and free camping among them.

Scenic spots to celebrate

There are a number of picturesque locations to get away from it all and spend the day outdoors in the Pilbara’s natural beauty.

Marapikurrinya Park, Pretty Pool, Spoilbank, Koombana lookout, Cemetery beach, and Finucane Island are some favourite local spots.