Raising the flag for new citizens

Australia Day will be marked across the region tomorrow with events on the Busselton and Dunsborough foreshores.

Nine people will become Australian citizens at the Busselton foreshore amphitheatre, with celebrations kicking off at 7am.

Those to be naturalised hail from six different countries, including the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Cuba, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam.

They are set to add to the tapestry of nationalities settling in the region, which has seen an increase in migrants from India, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines over the years.

The Ukulele Strummers will put on a performance, and the Busselton Surf Life Saving Club nippers will raise the flag.

Breakfast is available from 7am and will cost $5.

A celebration on Dunsborough’s foreshore will be hosted by the Dunsborough Progress Association, with local heroes to be honoured.

DPA president Jacquie Happ said four Naturaliste Gratitude Awards announced at the ceremony would recognise contributions to the community.

“These awards acknowledge people who are our unsung heroes, working tirelessly as volunteers for the wellbeing of our community,” she said.

The celebrations begin at 9am with a welcome to country by local cultural custodian Josh Whiteland.

Dunsborough Primary School students will raise the flag, with the national anthem being sung by Bianca Gasbarri.

Long-time local Margaret Baxter will deliver the Australia Day Address.