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‘Bigger, more significant’: Why families say WA Day trumps Australia Day

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Joanna DelalandeThe West Australian
VideoPerth's weather forecast for Monday June 3rd, the WA Day public holiday.

It is only seven years old, but WA Day is already considered more inclusive and family-friendly than Australia Day, families celebrating our State said today.

The new WA Day Festival venue at Burswood Park was packed with children of all ages on sunny Sunday and Monday.

The free event was built with young families in mind and featured an array of child-friendly activities like huge inflatables, an animal farm, arts and crafts and a “pan for gold” station.

Live music was another hook for families, and home-grown artists like John Butler, Katy Steele, Drapht, Slumberjack and Jebediah performed into the night to close off the celebrations.

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Jason and Chloe Mitchell, with daughter Ivy, 17 months enjoying WA Day celebrations at Burswood.
Camera IconJason and Chloe Mitchell, with daughter Ivy, 17 months enjoying WA Day celebrations at Burswood. Credit: Danella Bevis

For most West Australians present it was the public holiday, perfect weather and opportunity to spend time with loved ones that enticed them out to Burswood Park.

John Munro said he was impressed at the set-up and was glad to see people out and about enjoying the many activities on offer.

“It’s just a good time to get out with the family,” he said.

“We’ve been trying to do more family stuff and this has been awesome. The fact they’re not charging for rides is great — they’re just doing it for the community.”

A public holiday, perfect weather and opportunity to spend time with loved ones enticed many to Burswood Park. Pictured is Justine and John Munro with daughter Olivia, 5 months.
Camera IconA public holiday, perfect weather and opportunity to spend time with loved ones enticed many to Burswood Park. Pictured is Justine and John Munro with daughter Olivia, 5 months. Credit: Danella Bevis

Mr Munro said while Australia Day would always be a tradition in his family, WA Day had become a better option for families.

Jackie Hodge and Lauren Vernon agreed. Ms Vernon said they had grabbed onto the opportunity to gather the extended family for a day out.

“It’s pretty hard with everybody having different schedules and we’ve all got little kids now so it was an opportunity to get together,” she said.

Many consider WA Day a better option for families. Pictured is Lani Vernon with Noah Porges (1), Jackie Hodge and Lauren Vernon with Tobie Vernon (9 months).
Camera IconMany consider WA Day a better option for families. Pictured is Lani Vernon with Noah Porges (1), Jackie Hodge and Lauren Vernon with Tobie Vernon (9 months). Credit: Simon Santi

Ms Hodge said the holiday now trumped Australia Day in terms of family-friendliness.

“Look at all the little people, prams and babies everywhere,” she said,

“It’s definitely becoming bigger and more significant. So many families, I think it’s really being embraced.”

Andy and Sian Mercer said they had stopped celebrating Australia Day and WA Day was becoming more of a yearly tradition for them.

“It’s what WA is all about. Nice weather, blue skies, people coming out and enjoying themselves,” Mr Mercer said.

“I’m surprised how many people there are here. It’s more family-friendly than Australia Day. We don’t go out for Australia Day — it’s too hard, it’s too busy, and it’s the middle of summer. This is a lot better I think.”

Andy Mercer said his family had stopped celebrating Australia Day. Pictured is Mr Mercer with kids Evan (10), Jack (8) and Mikey (2).
Camera IconAndy Mercer said his family had stopped celebrating Australia Day. Pictured is Mr Mercer with kids Evan (10), Jack (8) and Mikey (2). Credit: Simon Santi

The couple said the debate around changing the date of Australia Day was also a contributing factor.

“That’s part of why we don’t really do anything,” Mrs Mercer said. “This is much more inclusive.”

Ruth Noonan said while WA Day, formally Foundation Day, had historical significance, it was not as contentious as Australia Day had become.

For Ashleigh Ridgeway, who believes the date of Australia Day should be changed, WA Day has become more important than the national holiday.

“It’s a nice day out with the family and I feel (WA Day) is becoming more and more significant,” she said.

“For me it’s become bigger than Australia Day. I think the date should be changed. I attend the event in Fremantle that takes place the day after Australia Day.”

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