City of Busselton welcomes new citizens and recognises community heroes in Australia Day ceremony.

The Busselton foreshore was alive with energy on Wednesday as locals and officials gathered for the annual Australia Day ceremony, celebrating the induction of new citizens and community heroes. This year the City of Busselton welcomed 56 new citizens from 15 different countries across both Busselton and Dunsborough, in a day mayor Grant Henley described as a chance to “reflect, respect and celebrate”. “On Australia Day we celebrate being Australian together, citizenship ceremonies are an important part of Australia Day celebrations and hold special significance to the incumbents and the broader Australian community,” he said. Among the inductees were the Avergonzado family, who took the pledge together. Having lived in Busselton for eight years, Charis Avergonzado said it was extremely fulfilling to receive her citizenship. “I feel great, happy to at least be apart of the Australian community,” she said. “We had been living here for years and decided, for the kids, why not? It’s such a nice country, Busselton especially.” Even children Alexandro, 13, and Jose, 5, were excited to celebrate. “I feel excited to be an Australian citizen . . . I don’t know what else to say,” Alexandro said. “It feels good,” added Jose. The City also recognised the work locals in the community, this year over three categories — Senior Community Citizen of the Year, Active Citizenship for a group or event and the coveted Community Citizen of the Year. Jon Eddy was recognised as Community Citizen of the Year for his work in raising community mental health awareness. As the man behind the Raising the Vibe festival, which raised $10 000 for mental health care, Mr Henley said Mr Eddy’s service was irreplaceable. “Jon has been a tireless advocate for reforming community attitudes to suicide and reforming all elements of the health system to better support those facing mental health challenges and for those impacted by suicide,” he said. Senior Community Citizen of the Year was 95-year-old Kenneth Williams, recognised for his service to Meals on Wheels. Mr Williams was also apart of the group that saved the old railway station from being burnt down, a building that now proudly serves as the Busselton Visitor Centre. The group award was presented to Busselton POOPS (Pets for Older People), a not-for-proft organisation that provides free pet care to owners who are elderly or disabled. POOPS spokeswoman Cathy Gibson said it was an honour to be recognised. “It’s just marvellous, very humbling and without our 130 volunteers we wouldn’t exist,” she said. “The real prize for me is the fact that there were a few people today who came up to me with the interest of joining and getting the word out there, that’s the best part.”