Rescue deal for fireworks

The Australia Day fireworks in Broome have been saved following a new sponsorship deal — and the revamped event is set to go off with a bang.

The alcohol-free show has been switched to a new location at Town Beach and a Paspaley Pearls barge anchored offshore in Roebuck Bay will be the launch pad for the colourful spectacular — meaning excellent views.

The event, re-branded the Shire of Broome Australia Day Fireworks and Family Concert, will get under way at 5pm in Lions Pioneer Park at Town Beach, with children’s entertainment, food stalls and music by band Miss Behave and the School of Funk..

The traditional evening was cancelled earlier this year when the Mangrove Hotel withdrew funding But the council formed a rescue package by stumping up the $30,000 operational cost and secured sponsor Buru Energy, which will pay the $20,000 needed for the 20-minute fireworks display.

Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic but food will be available from community stallholders.

Two security guards have been hired to patrol the area to ensure public safety and extra toilets will be provided.

Earlier in the day, the traditional Combined Services Clubs Australia Day Breakfast will run between 8am and 10am in Lions Pioneer Park, where the council will conduct its citizenship ceremony and present the 2013 Premier’s Active Citizenship Awards.

Broome Shire President Graeme Campbell said Australia Day was a significant event that deserved to be recognised and celebrated in a fitting way.

“With the cancellation of Broome’s usual fireworks show, the council decided it was appropriate that the Shire should fill the breach and put together this spectacular event,” he said.

“Because of the cost of staging such an event, the Shire of Broome has sought financial help and Buru Energy has generously come forward to sponsor the fireworks show. This is an alcohol-free event and I encourage the whole family to come along and help celebrate our national day.”

To facilitate events, the Town Beach boat ramp will be closed from Friday night to Saturday night and traffic controls will be in place surrounding the venue.

An exclusion zone will be set up around the fireworks barge.

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