Latest news with #LeighO'Brien
West Australian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
More than 1500 people turn out for WA Day at the Geraldton Museum
A gloomy forecast gave way to sunshine as more than 1500 people turned out for WA Day celebrations at the Geraldton Museum on Monday. The chance of bad weather forced organisers to turn to plan B, with some of the events and activities cancelled or moved indoors. However, clear skies prevailed for most of the day allowing locals and families the chance to enjoy a day packed full of activities. The free event provided open access to explore the museum and exhibits including the Best Moments on Country exhibition, to mark National Reconciliation Week 2025. The day offered guests the chance to take part in art workshops, face painting and plenty of hands-on fun for kids. Outside, the museum lawns and Museum Lane were transformed into a vibrant festival space with food vans offering a multicultural feast. Museum of Geraldton regional manager Leigh O'Brien estimated between 1500-2000 people attended and enjoyed the activities during the day. WA Day is a day of celebration for all things Western Australian, recognising the importance of Aboriginal history, the role of early European settlers and the multitude of cultures who have made, and continue to make the State their home.
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Entertainment, culture and cuisine on offer at Museum of Geraldton for WA Day festival on June 2
The upcoming WA Day festival at the Museum of Geraldton will meld community, culture and creativity, with a day of live music, food, art and interactive experiences promised. The free celebration for all ages, hosted by the museum and supported by BHP, the State Government and Lotterywest, will be staged on Monday, June 2, from 10am-2pm. Organisers say the festival will 'honour the stories, people and cultures that shape Geraldton and the Mid West', and will highlight 'the diversity, creativity and community spirit of the region'. Museum of Geraldton regional manager Leigh O'Brien said WA Day at the museum was one of their favourite events of the year. 'There's something truly special about seeing the whole community come together to share stories, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate what it means to be Western Australian. It's a joyful, inclusive day — and there's nothing else quite like it,' she said. On the agenda is a Living Histories program featuring cultural experiences such as live sand art by Coleesha Jones and a collaborative Aboriginal artwork led by local artist Carol Martin. People can go on guided walking tours exploring Geraldton's maritime heritage, local music scene and CBD street art during the day. Residents are encouraged to contribute to a growing time line of Geraldton's history by taking part in a collaborative mural at the museum, and a group art project celebrating the story of WA. The return of the popular paper plane competition and wheelchair basketball sessions hosted by ATLAS are some of the activities on offer for all ages. Families can also enjoy face painting, hoverball archery, sketching, rope balancing, and wildlife displays. The main stage will be headlined by First Nations rapper Sam B, who will perform alongside a line-up of emerging local artists. Other on-stage entertainment will include cultural dance performances by various community groups, including the First Nations youth girls' dance group. Hungry guests will have a wealth of options available, with food stalls offering a wide variety of international cuisine. To top it off, they can learn the cultural stories behind each dish and how to prepare selected meals.
