Editorial: Be grateful, and enjoy our great State

West Australian

2 days ago

As West Australians, we have a lot to be thankful for.
Not just for our beautiful beaches, or for our breathtaking natural wonders, or for our vast natural resources that make our economy the envy of the world.
In celebration of WA Day, we asked some of WA's most recognisable Sandgropers what they loved most about this great State.
The common thread? The people.
'We can almost pick each other out of a crowd,' famous Bunbury export Natalie Barr said.
'There's something about West Australians.
'We tell it like it is. We own what we say. And I reckon that's because we know deep down that we come from the best place on Earth.'
In fact, Governor Chris Dawson said it was the people of WA that was its 'greatest treasure'.
'It is those people, and the over 3 million like them, which make this State not just a large space on a map. But a place we are all proud to call home,' he said.
Premier Roger Cook reckons 'we're a friendly, welcoming bunch'.
'Maybe it's our isolation, or maybe it's just the WA way, but our sense of community is second to none,' he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds lauded the West Aussie spirit of 'backing the underdog', 'believing in a fair go' and 'having a crack'.
'This State has a wildness to it, a vastness but also a warmth. A community spirit that's generous, honest, and quietly proud,' he said.
Speaking of proud, WA has been home to some of the world's most important medical breakthroughs, famous musicians and actors and athletes that have gone on to win gold at the Olympics.
Some, like American actress Kate Walsh, have swapped the lights of Hollywood for the glorious beaches of Perth, which she has made her adopted home.
'I love the diversity of WA, both geographically and culturally,' Walsh tells us.
'I have never seen a place like Margaret River or Denmark or the Kimberley, or the simple beauty of the moonrise over the Perth river, and how the light makes everyone look pink and beautiful when they have a sunset swim in April.'
And faced with uncertain times, and turmoil in parts of the globe, we reflect on how lucky we are to live here, to be able to bring our families up safely without the fear of war or violence.
Where there is access to world-class health care, education, and jobs, with our resources industry pumping billions of dollars into the country's economy every year.
It's in recognition of that role in the nation's economic growth that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will bring his Cabinet to Perth on Tuesday.
Today, thousands of West Australians, from Karratha in the north, to Albany in the south and Geraldton in between, will gather to celebrate our State and recognise its history.
Wherever you are, and whatever you choose to do to, Happy WA Day.