In each Wheatbelt town, local shires held free events for the community, many of which revolved around a good old Aussie sausage sizzle and a day at the pool.

In Merredin, about 100 people attended a barbecue breakfast at the Rec Centre, where a welcome from Shire President Ken Hooper was followed by the raising of the flag and the playing of the National Anthem.

The town’s most recently inducted Australian Citizen, Debbie Taylor, read a moving speech about what it means to become an Australian.

She said after moving to Australia from South Africa, she was proud to become part of a Wheatbelt town where there was a real sense of community.

Later on, some 400 children and adults crowded the Merredin Swimming Pool where free entry, games, sausage sizzle and floating tubes provided a day of fun for all.

In Kellerberrin, more than 200 people turned out for the breakfast held at the Cuolahan Pavilion.

The day’s activities started with a welcome from Shire President Stan McDonnell and the raising of the flag and National Anthem, followed by an awards ceremony.

The Mt Marshall Shire provided two free barbecues – a breakfast at the Bencubbin Swimming Pool attended by about 100 people, and dinner at the Beacon Community Hall attended by about 50 people.

Both events included an awards ceremony to recognise the contribution of local citizens in their community.

“Congratulations to all award winners who are being recognised for giving so much to make our community a better and more enjoyable place to live,” said Mt Marshall Shire Community Development Officer Rebecca Watson.

Throughout the Wheatbelt, numerous other successful celebrations and awards ceremonies were held and there is no doubt that everyone ended the day feeling proud to be Australian.