Celebrate WA’s
Annual Report 2023
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Celebrate WA wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we meet on for all the Festivals. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this State. Paying our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Michael Anghie
Chairman
CHAIR’S MESSAGE
In 2023, Celebrate WA brought out the true essence of what it means to be Western Australian. More than 82,000 people attended one or more WA Day Festival events across our great State, bringing life to what it means to be a West Aussie.
Despite the rain pouring down, spirits were lifting high with a great turnout at the Burswood Park and Optus Stadium Precinct two-day festival. Audiences were treated to exceptional live performances by Baby Animals, Mark Seymour, Voyager, South Summit, Boox Kid, Dulcie, Priscilla and Mitch Santiago, more than 80 food trucks and a total of 35 sideshow attractions and carnival rides, not to mention the spectacular fireworks that even the wet weather could not dampen.
A personal highlight for me was Wadjuk Dreaming, an immersive indigenous storytelling under a bespoke dome creating a campfire-like experience of warmth and intimacy to gather around and hear and see beautiful stories come to life through graphic animations.
Across the state, more than 22,000 people attended one or more of our seven regional and satellite festivals, bringing culture, food and fun to Albany, Carnarvon, Fremantle, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Newman, and Port Hedland.
With 40,000 Education booklets distributed through our generous Official Media Partner Seven West Media, our School Education Program reached far and wide, further supported by 20,000 booklets having been circulated on the WA Day weekend and colouring-in pullouts included in The West Australian and The Sunday Times.
All these events, festivals, and promotions come together to broaden the reach and extend the cultural, age and geographic inclusivity of Celebrate WA activities across the WA Day long weekend.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Western Australian of the Year Awards, and we were delighted to be able to showcase the incredible talent and passion of leading Western Australians. This special event acknowledged and celebrated those extraordinary community members who have made outstanding contributions to our State. Sincere congratulations to all the category winners, whose outstanding achievements in their respective fields really do represent the diversity of talent present in Western Australia. Sincere thanks go to our 52 independent and experienced voluntary judges.
All of this is made possible by the ongoing support of our remarkable sponsors and partners. The Celebrate WA Board wishes to acknowledge the significant contributions made by our major supporters – BHP, Lotterywest and the Government of Western Australia – along with premier partners Woodwside Energy and Hancock Prospecting – Roy Hill; festival sponsors RAC, Navitas and Perdaman; award sponsors Alcoa, APM, BHP, HBF, Seven, Wesfarmers and Woodside Energy. A special thanks to our venue partners Crown and Burswood Park; hospitality partners Gage Roads and Rainfall Distillery; our official media partners Seven, The West Australian, Perth Now and the Sunday Times; along with our supporting partners EY, Herbert Smith Freehills and PwC. Your generous support continues to make the WA Day celebrations such a grand success.
I would also like to extend thanks to our Celebrate WA Board and Management, who work tirelessly year-round to ensure the smooth running of our programs.
The new year is fast approaching, and nominations are now open for the 2024 Western Australian of the Year Awards across all seven categories. Please do take the time to submit your nominations for what will be another extraordinary celebration of achievement, passion and purpose.
I look forward to the year ahead in 2024 when we will see even more people come together to celebrate what it means to live, work and play in our great State of Western Australia.
MICHAEL ANGHIE Chair, Celebrate WA
CELEBRATE WA BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Anghie
Chairman
Michael Anghie is Group Chief Executive Officer of APM, the world’s largest mission-driven human services organisation, operating from 1,500 locations across eleven countries with a team of more than 14,000 employees.
Globally, APM teams support over 2 million people of all ages and stages each year to improve their lives through service offerings which include assessments; allied health and psychological intervention; medical, psycho‑social and vocational rehabilitation; vocational training and employment assistance; and community‑based support services.
Prior to joining APM in April 2018, Michael held a number of senior leadership roles in Australia and overseas at global professional services firm, Ernst & Young.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Business from Curtin University and is a Member of CEOs for Gender Equity in WA and an Ambassador for the New Colombo Plan.
Michael Anghie
Chairman
Maryna Fewster
Board Member
Maryna Fewster is the Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media WA and had previously been the company’s Chief Operating Officer.
Prior to joining Seven West Media, she was Chief Operating Officer of iiNet and held senior executive roles in the Telecommunications sector in Australia and New Zealand for over two decades.
Maryna is a Non-Executive Director of Crown Resorts Perth and a Trustee of The Channel 7 Telethon Trust.
Maryna Fewster
Board Member
Meath Hammond
Board Member
Meath Hammond is currently BHP’s Head of Corporate Affairs for Western Australia.
Immediately prior to taking on this role he was based in Houston, Texas where he held a number of positions at BHP including Head of Corporate Affairs for North American Shale & Minerals.
Before joining BHP, Meath worked at Woodside Petroleum for ten years and was based in Perth and Karratha.
Meath has previously served as a Director on the David Wirrpanda Foundation, a Board Member on the UWA Business School and was inaugural Chairman of the Pilbara Australian Technical College.
He is currently on the Board of the Port Hedland Industries Council and the Committee for Perth and is a CEDA Trustee.
Meath Hammond
Board Member
Fiona Kalaf
Board Member
Fiona Kalaf is General Manager, Projects at APM, the world’s leading mission-driven human services business operating in eleven countries.
Fiona is also a Non-Executive Director of Euroz Hartleys Group Limited and Perth Festival, and former Deputy Presiding Member of Healthway.
She has held numerous senior executive and directorship roles, including CEO of Lifeline WA and Youth Focus, executive roles at Wesfarmers and HBF, and Chair of the Art Gallery of WA.
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Business Administration (Advanced).
Fiona has also completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management course at Harvard Business School.
Fiona Kalaf
BOARD MEMBER
Professor Bruce Robinson AM
Board Member
Bruce Robinson was named Western Australian of the Year in 2013 and has since been honoured with an Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the community, particularly in the fields of medicine, research and training.
Bruce is a Professor of Medicine and a leading physician-researcher with many scientific discoveries to his name.
He has led a research team for many years studying ways of getting the immune system to attack tumours and also studies asbestos cancers.
He also founded the award-winning Fathering Project which works mostly through schools to help fathers become better dads and father-figures.
Bruce has received multiple accolades including the international Wagner Medal, the Premier’s Science Award, as well as RACP, AMA and TSANZ Medals for his achievements.
Prof. Bruce Robinson AM
Board Member
Mark McCrory
Board Member
Mark McCrory has been the General Manager of the Channel 7 Telethon Trust since December 2019.
Prior to joining Telethon, he held several executive positions at the City of Joondalup for more than a decade and was a journalist before joining the local government sector.
Mark is a Graduate of the Australian Company Directors Course (GAICD) and also sits on the ECU Business and Law Advisory Board.
Mark McCrory
Board Member
Tanya Eales
Board Member
Tanya Eales is a People and Culture expert having recently been appointed as the Executive General Manager People & Culture for Crown Perth.
Prior to joining Crown, she held the position of the Chief People Officer NRW Holdings and prior to that has held several executive positions at WesTrac, and Woolworths Group, responsible for the strategic direction and delivery of the People and Culture plans across many businesses. Tanya is also an Advisory Board Member for the Australian Institute of Management.
Tanya is a passionate West Australian supporting CWA in its quest to celebrate everything great about this state.
TANYA EALES
BOARD MEMBER
Scott Jones
Board Member
Scott Jones is the current Group CEO for Navitas and former Chairman for Snap Fitness 24/7.
Prior to joining Navitas, he was the CEO of SAE Institute and a Graduate of Curtain University with Bachelor of Commerce, Management and Marketing.
Scott is also a Graduate of the Australian Company Directors Course (GAICD) and contributing to the CWA strategic vision.
SCOTT JONES
Board Member
James Hookway
Honorary Treasurer
James is the Group Financial Controller at Clemenger Group Limited based in Melbourne and a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant (FCPA).
James has over 15 years of experience in financial reporting and business improvement across media & advertising, retail, mining services, travel and financial services industries.
A proud West Australian born and bred in Perth, James’s passion towards making WA great transpires in everything he does both personally and professionally.
JAMES HOOKWAY
HONORARY TREASURER
ABOUT WA DAY
Celebrate WA is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the annual WA Day celebrations, recognising excellence in all fields of endeavour, and encouraging pride in all things Western Australian.
Whether it’s appreciating our rich culture, talented musicians, world class food and wine, blue skies and fresh air, iconic landmarks or the standout achievements of our citizens, WA has so much to celebrate on this special day.
In April 2012, Foundation Day was changed to WA Day following bipartisan political support. This heralded a new era in which WA Day was acknowledged as an inclusive celebration of our Aboriginal history, European settlers and the many people and cultures that make WA such a unique place to live.
WA Day is powered by partnerships. Events of this scale and significance are only possible through the support of our sponsors, and together we achieve:
Civic pride
in the community, celebrating what it means to be Western Australian.
celebrate our history
by increasing awareness and discussion around our heritage, culture and diversity, identity and location.
community participation
focusing on regional and remote Western Australia.
ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT
by acknowledging the contributions made by Aboriginal people to WA.
SOCIAL INCLUSION
through uniting diverse people and cultures, and acknowledging Aboriginal people as the traditional landowners.
PROMOTE EXCELLENCE
through celebrating inspirational Western Australians who deliver positive outcomes for our State.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Burswood PARK
4 & 5 June 2023
The reimagined WA Day Festival kicked off with brilliant sunshine on the first day of winter. Early birds enjoyed rides, food trucks, and family fun. A free family music concert at 12:15 pm featured local talent, followed by Eurovision contestants Voyager. The Lotterywest Community stage showcased WA’s finest, from comedians to magicians.
Kids marvelled at Scitech’s discoveries, and the WA Museum hosted Dawson’s Burrowing Bee lessons. Alcoa wowed the crowd with an incredible robotic dog, and food enthusiasts flocked to the Spudshed cooking extravaganza. Despite weather challenges, the crowd eagerly anticipated performances by Mark Seymour and the Baby Animals.
Unfortunately, Amy Shark couldn’t perform due to severe wet weather. The Festival closed early on Sunday, but not before a spectacular fireworks show lit up the night.
Main Stage Entertainment
Lotterywest Stage Entertainment
CELEBRATING THE REGIONS
WA Day unites all people, young and old, from all ethnicities and cultures, who have made Western Australia such an incredible and unique place to live. It’s a day where we acknowledge the histories, diverse cultures and contributions made by all people who proudly call Western Australia home. Our FREE WA Day Festivals were back, bigger than ever! Packed with awesome family entertainment and delicious local food, and many came to celebrate everything that makes our State so great.
Albany WA
Day Festival
Museum of the Great Southern
Monday 5 June, 10am-2pm
- FREE Live entertainment
- Children’s activities
- Live music
- Family games
- Delicious food
- THONG THROWING COMPETITION
Fremantle WA
Day Festival
Mews Park Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and Bathers Beach
Sunday 4 June, 11.15am – 5pm
- FREE live entertainment
- Festival Latin Carnivale
- Welcome to Country 
– smoking ceremony
- African drum workshop
- Free children’s entertainment
- Glamorous fashion parade by Crown Showgirls
Kalgoorlie WA
Day Festival
Museum of the Goldfields
Monday 5 June, 10am-2pm
- Free live entertainment
- Silent disco
- Live music
- Stilt walkers
- Face painting
- Arts & Crafts
- Bungee trampoline
Port Hedland
WA Day Festival
Kevin Scott Oval
18 June, 4pm-8pm
- Free live entertainment
- Arts & Crafts
- Children’s activities
- BHP Drone light show
Pilbara Shire
WA Day Festival
Newman Fortescue Golf Club
Friday 2 June, 6.00pm – 9.30pm
- Glow-in-the-dark mini golf
- Children’s playground
- FREE live entertainment
- Local food vendors
CarnaRvon WA Day Festival
Gwoonwardu Mia,
146 Robinson St
Monday 5 June, 2.00pm-6pm
- Headliners Gina Williams
& Guy Ghouse
- Face painting
- Arts & Crafts
- Community Stalls
Geraldton WA Day Festival
Museum of Geraldton, 
Batavia Coast Marina
Monday 5 June, 10am – 2pm
- Free live entertainment
- Children’s activities
- Multicultural street food & sausage sizzle
- Arts & Crafts
- Wildlife display
- Live music
Western Australian of the Year Awards
The 2023 Western Australian of the Year Awards made a triumphant return, showcasing the grandeur expected from this prestigious event. The Gala Awards evening gathered prominent figures, including business leaders, the Premier, State and Federal Ministers, and Head of State, Governor Chris Dawson.
Among 122 exceptional nominees, the 55 Judges faced the challenging task of selecting winners in seven categories: Aboriginal, Arts & Culture, Business, Community, Professions, Sport, and Youth. The evening featured entertainment from the Ten Tenors, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. The highlight of the night was the announcement of Mrs. Gina Rinehart AO as the 2023 Western Australian of the Year, recognizing her remarkable philanthropic contributions to the Western Australian community.
2023 Winners
2023 Western Australian of the Year
and APM Business Award
Mrs Gina
Rinehart AO
Business award sponsored by
Wesfarmers
Aboriginal Award
Honourable
Ken Wyatt AM
Sponsored by
Woodside Energy Arts
and Culture Award
Iain
Grandage
Sponsored by
Alcoa of Australia
Community Award
Professor
Marcus Atlas AM
Sponsored by
HBF Professions
Award
Professor Andrew Whitehouse
Sponsored by
Channel 7
Sport Award
Brad Ness
OAM
Sponsored by
BHP Youth
Award
Madison
Heady
Sponsored by
MARKETING AND MEDIA
School education program
The Celebrate WA Education program’s success keeps on thriving year after year. This time, an impressive 60,000 Education booklets were printed, with 40,000 making their way directly to school children across Western Australia.
The outreach extended to Metro and Regional Festivals in Port Hedland, where 20,000 booklets found eager recipients. Adding to the vibrancy, special colouring-in liftouts were featured in Friday’s The West Australian, The Sunday Times, and once more in The West on Monday
MEDIA OvERVIEW
The 2023 media campaign proved to be exceptionally successful, garnering over $2 million in total media value between May and June. The WA Day Festival achieved its marketing objectives with flying colours.
Key messaging and highlights skilfully promoted civic pride, social inclusion, community participation, excellence, and the remarkable achievements of Western Australians. The campaign also emphasized Aboriginal engagement and the celebration of our rich history. Despite the weather challenges, the spirit of Celebrate WA shone through, creating a memorable experience for all.
WAOTYA Media Overview
The WAOTYA campaign garnered exceptional attention, achieving over $100,000 in media value across print, digital, social, TV, broadcast, and editorial features. After the setback of not hosting an awards program in 2022, the success of the 2023 awards program was truly worth the wait.
The abundance of high-quality nominees reaffirms Western Australia’s capacity to spotlight excellence and achievement across various fields. The program effectively encourages pride in the individuals who proudly call this great state home.
financial report
For the year ended 30 June 2023
Celebrating With Good Company
WA Day Major Supporters
Premier Partners
Festival Sponsors
Award Sponsors
Venue Partners
Hospitality Partners
Official Media Partners
Supporting Partners
