Cockburn’s eternally popular Australia Day Coogee Beach Festival is set to further strengthen our spirit of community connection for locals and visitors alike, on Wednesday 26 January, 2022.
Perth media personality Christina Morrissy will again emcee our annual event and Auspire (Australia Day Council WA) has appointed legendary Professor Lyn Beazley AO FTSE as the City of Cockburn’s Australia Day ambassador for 2022.
City of Cockburn Marie La Frenais said Professor Beazley, who was named the Australian of the Year (WA) in 2015, was a passionate scientist who had dedicated more than 30 years to the field of neuroscience.
“Her goal is for every Australian child to learn and love science, which fits beautifully with her plan to help judge the annual sandcastle building competition,” Ms La Frenais said.
Professor Beazley is renowned for her research into recovery from brain damage and changing clinical practice in the treatment of infants at risk from pre-term delivery.
As Chief Scientist of Western Australia from 2006 to 2013, she advised the state government on science, innovation and technology, while fulfilling the role of science ambassador in Australia and internationally.
She helped set up a nationwide ‘hotline’ for laboratory technicians in schools, worked for healthier waterways across the state by establishing Dolphin Watch and was involved in the negotiations for the Square Kilometre Array, the radio telescope project that is arguably the world’s largest science endeavour.
Professor Beazley was an inaugural inductee of the WA Women’s Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Giving in recognition of her philanthropy promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in WA.
The family-friendly day will offer a host of varied entertainment and activities between 8am and 1pm including the brilliant Bindjareb Middars Aboriginal dance group which has been showcasing Bibbulmun culture from the South West for many years in WA and across the world.
Other exciting acts include popular Perth bands the Milford Street Shakers, the Two Cent Professionals and Jazzie Shazzies, which will be fun for the young and young at heart.
Activities and attractions will include a sandcastle competition, friendly mermaids, a free sausage sizzle (while stocks last) and demos by the South Coogee Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
A range of multicultural foods will be available to purchase on site via a variety of food and drink vans.
Free Balance Bike Academy Workshops with both pedal and balance bikes will be held for for children aged 3-8 from 8-10am, or enjoy a free massage from Wellness on Wheels for those who ride their bike to the event (8-11am).
Extra unmanned bike parking managed by People on Bicycles will be available at the tennis courts 8am-12noon.
This is an accessible event, and accessible parking and toilets will be available.
Parking for this event is opposite the beach off Cockburn Road and at Coogee Hall off Howick Court. Access to Coogee Beach Cafe and regular beach parking is via Orsino Boulevard and Perlinte View.
Access to Powell Road will be closed from 6am to 1pm on the day.
Visit the City's
website for more details.