City of Karratha rules out formal 50th party

The City of Karratha has decided not to host a dedicated public anniversary event to celebrate the town’s 50th birthday next month.

August 8 marks 50 years since Karratha was gazetted and to celebrate the City has organised for the FeNaClNG float parade and their stall at the festival to be themed 50 years of Karratha.

The local government has also produced a commemorative book and will be supporting the Karratha Community Association’s 10th Yaburara Community Walk.

However, the only unique event it will be hosting is an invite-only special citizenship ceremony.

Mayor Peter Long said the City partnered with community groups and associations to support community-led commemorations of historical milestones.

“The strong preference of the community and council is to enhance long-running, inclusive community events, such as the 47th FeNaClNG Festival and 10th Yaburara Community Walk, rather than detract from or compete with these much-loved events,” he said.

A handful of long-term residents contacted by the Pilbara News were unaware of the anniversary until the News spoke to them, and said they found the lack of promotion unfortunate.

Marc Fogarty, who has lived in town for almost 10 years, said it was surprising the anniversary hadn’t been more widely publicised.

“It’s disappointing not to have known about it more than anything else,” he said.

“It begs the question, why haven’t the City done more for it and why we haven’t heard more about it?”

Nan Williams, who has lived in Karratha for 37 years, only realised the anniversary was happening when she was invited to the special citizenship ceremony.

KCA president Stuart Otto said the group was pleased the City was supporting the annual community walk, but believed the local government maybe could have done more.

“We’re just happy to be involved and get the support we have,” he said.

The FeNaClNG Festival is taking place from August 2 to 4, while the Yaburara Community Walk will be on August 10.