On 22 November 1904 Broome held its first Local Government election. To mark the Centenary of this, last November a large crowd joined Council staff and Councillors in the Shire’s grounds to celebrate this event.
Former Shire Presidents, Kim Male and Ron Johnston, along with former Shire Clerk, Des Haynes, entertained the crowd with memories and tales from past Council meetings and Shire administrations.
Shire President, Tom Vinnicombe, performed a citizenship ceremony and certificates were presented to long serving staff and Councillors. An historic display, featuring photos and items on loan from residents and the Broome Historical Society Museum, was well received by the public. Memorabilia from old dog tags and license plates to Queen Elizabeth’s signature from a visit to Broome in 1963, fascinated locals.
With a little help from Councillors, St Mary’s Secondary College and Broome Senior High School students held a mock Council meeting debating the merits of a marine park in Roebuck Bay.
As a memento of the celebrations, Parks and Gardens staff gave away 2,000 seedlings they had raised and provided advice to residents on how to care for them. The hungry crowd also appreciated the free sausage sizzle cooked by staff.
