Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association Australia Day celebration in Dunsborough.

A celebration of community volunteers by the Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association is planned for Australia Day in Centennial Park.

DDPA chair Jacquie Happ said the event, starting at 9.30am was an acknowledgement that Australia Day was not a celebration for many people, particularly Aboriginal people.

“So, in Dunsborough, we focus on recognising the efforts of our dedicated local volunteers, and highlighting their stories,” Mrs Happ said.

The celebrations will include the Naturaliste Gratitude Awards for volunteers.

The awards are about recognising local people who are making significant contributions to the community.

Guest speaker at this year’s event will be Chris Burton, who last year was an award recipient for his tireless work on the study of whales.

Mr Burton will detail his whale monitoring work in Geographe Bay, where he leads a group of about 40 volunteers.

The monitoring team work in shifts trying to cover as many daylight hours as possible, monitoring the whales passing through Geographe Bay.

Mrs Happ said the DDPA ran other civic events in Dunsborough such as the Anzac Day ceremony, and an annual Christmas carols event.

“The DDPA has been running for nearly 100 years. Our vision is to bring people together , honouring community and celebrating community,” Mrs Happ said.

All are welcome to join the DDPA in celebrating Australia Day on the foreshore.

New members and volunteers are always welcome. If you would like more information, visit https://dunsboroughprogress.com.au/.