Fireworks, festivities to light up town

Where to go for Australia Day? A question as old as time itself, and Broome businesses have got you covered from what we’ve seen of the list of the best events in town.

Broome RSL will be open from 10am until late on Australia Day for its family fun day, including a kids’ water castle and slide operating all day.

“The Australian flag and all it stands for will be proudly on display and we intend to have a traditional Aussie-themed day with plenty of barbecue food, flags and fun,” RSL Broome president Stuart Simpson said.

Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa will hold an in-house sausage sizzle around its family pool for resort guests, as well as a four-night stay Australia Day Long Weekend package.

Broome Fishing Club will have hot dogs, music and kids’ activities for members and non-members from 3pm until late.

Murphy’s Irish pub general manager Craig Kelmar said the establishment will be shelving its annual pool party to host a Triple J party, sausage sizzle from 10am and Aussie pie cook-up from noon until late.

“Should be a fun day, listening to the top 100 on Triple J — probably get some fairy bread going as well and, depending on weather, the fireworks are just round the corner as well,” he said.

Matso’s Broome Brewery will host its Wild, Wild, West Aussie Day celebrations from 10am to 8pm with an Aussie All-stars menu, games, new golden ale on tap and prizes for best-dressed male and female.

Broome’s iconic Roebuck Bay Hotel will be turning up the beats as it hosts the Triple J hottest 100 in the Sports Bar throughout the day and keep patrons interested with Aussie-themed games.

Battle of the Bands 2015 winners, Seaside Drifters, will be cranking out live music in the Roey’s Oasis Bar from 5pm.

There will be a massive Miss Australia-themed Wet T-shirt competition as well as a Mr Aussie competition from 10.30pm.

There is also a six-a-side cricket tournament on offer in the Roey carpark with a prize of $2000, followed by tracks from Melbourne-based DJ Jen Jones at Skylla from midnight.

Residents should get down to Town Beach early for the Australia Day Breakfast presented by Broome’s Lions, Lioness and Rotary Clubs and the Roebuck Lodge from 8am to 10am.

The Shire of Broome’s free fireworks show and family fun day will start at 4pm at Lions Pioneer Park with water slides, bouncy castle, kids’ entertainment, and food and market stalls.

A live radio simulcast on Spirit 102.9FM will match the fireworks as they light the sky at 8pm.

WA Police have reminded those celebrating to be on their best behaviour as officers from the Broome Police Station will be monitoring problem public drinking areas and liquor restricted premises.

Kimberley District Office Acting Superintendent Omar Chahal said police would conduct vehicle and foot patrols as well as hold a dedicated presence at the alcohol-free Town Beach fireworks display.

“Officers will be working hard to ensure that everyone can enjoy the day. I would ask the whole community to assist in this goal by being responsible in their alcohol consumption, abide by the laws governing public drinking, be respectful and thoughtful to your fellow Broome community members and enjoy the celebrations with family and friends,” he said.

“Broome police will also be vigilant with road policing duties to ensure everyone is safe and arrives at their destination.”