Our volunteers are a fantastic group of people who are indispensable. Each year up to 200 volunteers assist with the Australia Day Skyshow in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
Since the inception of Skyworks twenty five years ago, Kings Park and Botanic Garden has provided perfect locations from which to view the spectacular show.
With unobstructed views over the Swan River, Fraser Avenue has always been a hot spot during the Australia Day celebrations. In addition, May Drive, Roe Gardens and the Lotterywest Family Area all boast amazing views of the fireworks.
Friends of Kings Park President Mr Bob Bunney said around 30,000 spectators visited the park each year on Australia Day.
"While most people do their bit to reduce their impact on the grounds, the sheer volume of people can take its toll," he said.
With such high traffic throughout the Park, in 1999, volunteers from the Friends of Kings Park initiated a roster system for the various entrances around the Park, to assist with directing people to the best viewing areas and to hand out rubbish bags. Now each year up to 200 Friends of Kings Park volunteers provide a vital role in assisting with the smooth running of the day.
Mr Bunney said the tireless work of the volunteers was a credit to them as they do a superb job helping out on their public holiday ensuring everyone has a wonderful Skyworks experience at Kings Park.
"The volunteers also shake tins during the Skyworks to raise money to assist with restoration, the upkeep of the Park and other community oriented projects throughout the Park. On average they raise around $12,000," he said.
Some of the initiatives funded by past donations have included the purchase of equipment for science projects and for visitor services operations, such as microscopes and electric buggies. The establishment of the Lotterywest Federation Walkway and the Lotterywest Family Area project were also funded through the Friends of Kings Park with Lotterywest support. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Friends of Kings Park.
Mr Peter Netherway, Kings Park Events and Volunteer Coordinator, said the Park was the perfect location for families to enjoy the Skyworks.
"Some people start arriving on foot and on bikes as early as 6am on Skyworks day, to ensure they get the perfect vantage point. It really is a great day out because there's just so much to see and do at Kings Park.
There's always a fantastic vibe here in the park on Australia Day with families playing cricket, kicking a footy, taking a walk along some of the delightful trails we have here in the Park or discovering our State's Botanic Garden. It's wonderful to see so many people here enjoying this huge slice of nature and tranquillity on the doorstep of our CBD and it's important for the donations to come in.
If everyone that comes through the Park to see the Skyworks gave just one dollar there's the possibility of raising $30,000 for important conservation work and improvements to visitor facilities." he said.
Mr Netherway also commended the work of the volunteers from the Friends of Kings Park. "We are very lucky to have the Friends and also the other volunteer groups who collectively contribute many thousands of hours in a wide variety of areas, from maintaining the honour avenue tree plaques, to offering information services and free guided walks to visitors, and providing advice on native plants in urban gardens. Kings Park is a great place to work or to volunteer in. Our volunteers are a fantastic bunch of people who are indispensable."