Praise for Skyworks crowd

Australia Day Skyworks 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

ARRESTS at last night's Skyworks event were "well down" on previous years, police say.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Lawrence Panaia said the event was almost incident-free.

An estimated 300,000 people packed the Swan River foreshore to enjoy the nation's biggest Australia Day fireworks show - and they were not disappointed.

"Arrests were well down on last year and given the vast number of people attending various all-day events, there were a relatively small number of incidents which required police action," he said.

In total across WA there were 101 arrests/summonses, 129 offences, one assault charge, 41 disorderly behaviour charges, 17 drug infringements, 27 liquor infringements, 78 traffic infringements, one excess 0.05, one excess 0.08, one driving under the influence and 145 move on notices.

Australia Day 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

PICTURE GALLERY: Skyworks amaze

PICTURE GALLERY: Aussie spirit all around

Last night, a WA Police spokeswoman said there had been no major incidents and crowds had been well-behaved.

Prior to the event, police said they would slap $200 fines on anyone caught drinking outside designated areas.

Jeanty Zanazzi enjoys the fireworks show. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

A St John Ambulance spokesman said there had been a number of incidents throughout the night which were related to the event.

Earlier it seemed the Brits were out in force forming their own "Barmy Army" among the throng of people flocking to the foreshore for a glimpse of the show.

But by the end of the night the display had proven a hit as 'oohs' and 'ahhs' echoed from crowds for over half an hour.

Jeanty Zanazzi, of Beeliar, compared the skyworks to Sydney's New Year's Eve display over the Sydney harbour.

The Australia Day Skyworks light up the sky. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

"I love fireworks, I live for fireworks," Ms Zanazzi said.

"I think we've done pretty good. I like the bits that look like golden sunflowers."

Sue Taylor, from Girrawheen, said: "I really loved it, the finale was the best part."

Kayleigh Halstead, 26, was "just joining in the tradition" as she and a group of English friends celebrated on the foreshore before the fireworks.

Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields.

"It's good to be here, to celebrate Australia," Ms Halstead said.

Norma Crawford travelled from Hampshire in England's south to celebrate in Perth for the first time with WA-based relatives.

"I picked this holiday for Australia Day," Ms Crawford said.

Dawn Logan, who travelled from Port Hedland to celebrate on the foreshore, said it was important for Australians to remember why they were considered lucky.

Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields.

"It's fabulous that we celebrate Australia and being Australian," Ms Logan said.

"What it means to be Australian is to be free, to be able to experience this wonderful country.

"We've got the opportunity to do whatever we want to do.

"Everyone can enjoy the views, everyone can participate."

Abbey Taylor celebrates Australia Day 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

Families sporting the Australian colours were staking their turf after being entertained through the afternoon at Langley Park.

Motorcycle stunt rides, an airshow, water park and paintball were just some of the activities hosted by the City of Perth from 3pm.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Skyworks and punters were all too happy to express their high expectations.

"It was pretty awesome last year so I'm thinking with the 30th anniversary it should be pretty good," Rockingham mother-of-two Katherine Hanson said.

Cassie Armstrong, Danny and Bianca Politis and Misty Walker on the Perth foreshore for Australia Day. Picture: Jordan Shields

Ms Hanson's son Matthew, 9, said Australia Day was about celebrating the good fortune of the 'lucky country'.

"I'm pretty lucky to be living in Australia because there's lots of poverty going on around the world," he said.

A State Government crackdown on illegal camping and unruly partygoers at the shack community of Wedge Island, north of Lancelin, has so far proved successful.

More than 4000 people gathered on the 400m long island on Australia Day last year - authorities say the island can't cope with that many visitors - while a New Year's party this year ended in an alleged murder.

Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields

Department of Parks and Wildlife midwest regional manager Nigel Sercombe said visitor numbers were lower than 2013.

"It seems the disruptive element has stayed away,'' Mr Sercombe said.

"Visitors have mainly been shack lessees, their friends and family, and day visitors. It has been a quiet weekend at this stage.''

Perth beaches were busy, as expected, with a Guinness world record set at Cottesloe for the third consecutive year for the longest line of inflatable thongs on the ocean.

Chris Beaumont, Amy Devenish and Karel Losada brought down the cricket bat and ball for a bit of a hit along the Perth foreshore. Picture: Matthew Poon

At the nation's biggest citizenship ceremony in the northern Perth suburb of Wanneroo, where 751 people became Australians, WA Premier Colin Barnett was heckled about the shark program.

He replied: "The great thing about Australia is we can all voice our opinion''.

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Protesters remove SW shark baits

The first shark was caught and shot dead in the South West today under the State Governments controversial shark-kill policy. Courtesy Nine News

The first shark has been caught and killed on a drumline under the WA Government's new strategy Picture: Nine News Source: Supplied

PROTESTERS have removed shark baits from drumlines set in the South West as debate over the controversial catch-and-kill policy intensifies.

Yesterday, the first shark was caught and killed under the State Government's shark kill policy.

A 3m female tiger shark was shot four times in the head, dragged out to sea and dumped after being caught 1km off Meelup Beach yesterday - less than a day after the drum lines were set.

Ross Weir, president of West Australians for Shark Conservation, told 6PR radio this morning that protesters had removed baits.

"It has happened, it has certainly happened and it's also happened in some very hairy weather conditions," he said.

"But these guys down there are very dedicated and passionate people and they are willing to put their lives on the line."

He said it was an inhumane way of killing the animal and about 22 activists were keeping an eye on the fisherman's activities.

The professional fisherman contracted to do the baiting in the South West, whose identity has been kept anonymous to protect him from threats, said this morning the sharks were a threat to public safety.

He said he watched as the shark was shot yesterday and he was satisfied the beast was killed quickly.

"I'll continue to do it and then hopefully later we'll perhaps be able to take some samples or contribute in some way to knowledge and better understanding," he told 6PR.

He said protesters had kept away from his vessel and he believed the shark died quickly.

"I was satisfied that I managed to get the rounds in the right place and we dispatched it as quickly as we possibly could,'' he said.

But West Australians for Shark Conservation president Ross Weir told AAP it was an inhumane way of killing the animal and about 22 activists were keeping an eye on the fisherman's activities.

``They have been out on the water and they have removed baits from the lines,'' he said.

But Mr Weir said the fisherman did not have experience with sharks and his .22 rifle was not an appropriate gun.

Sea Shepherd Australia managing director Jeff Hansen said it was a cruel and painful death for the shark, which could have been stuck for hours.

"How can we condemn Japan for the indiscriminate killing of whales and dolphins, and do this to our precious protected marine life here in Australia?'' he said.

"This method is utterly cruel and inhumane and these animals can take many hours to die.''

Images of the 3m shark caused a storm of public opinion online.

The PerthNow Facebook post about the catch received almost 2000 comments and 928 shares, while 169 comments were left on the article.

So far it is the only shark to be caught and killed.

Sharon Burden, the mother of 21-year-old shark attack victim Kyle Burden, said the killing was a "sad indictment" on the future between sharks and humans.

Kyle Burden was killed after a shark attack while he was bodyboarding in Bunker Bay in 2011.

Last year Ms Burden spoke out against the bait and kill policy.

This morning while on 6PR, Ms Burden said the community needed to "conquer our fear and not our wildlife."

"In this situation, much of what's occurring at the moment is based on our inability to deal with our own fears and how we're going to be able to live with predators or basically anything that could kill us when we're in their environment," she said.

"I'm obviously against the drumlines policy, there are a lot of other safety strategies we could be putting in place at the moment.

"The debate of using Queensland as an example, well I was living on the Gold Coast when my son was killed where those drums lines are in place, and there are a lot of people that disagree with it over there.

"But they know, as we all know, that once things are in place, what government is going to in the future will have the courage to remove it just in case something happens? It's prevention, a strategy based from the '60s used now in 2014."

The controversial program went ahead after federal environment minister Greg Hunt granted WA an exemption under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, allowing the protected great white shark to be killed.

But the State Government will be forced to use its own Fisheries Department officers in Perth after commercial operators pulled out following threats from activists.

Mr Hunt said last week that when the trial ended on April 30, a federal environment act assessment would determine if the policy should continue.

The policy was introduced after the death of Chris Boyd at Gracetown late last year, which was the seventh in WA since August 2010.

Premier Colin Barnett was heckled at an Australia Day event on Sunday, but brushed it off and said people were entitled to free speech.

A rally will be held at Cottesloe beach - the home suburb of Mr Barnett - on Saturday.

Thousands attended the previous protest.

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Woman's 'reckless' actions slammed

A girl has fallen under a moving freight train after jumping from a train station in the Blue Mountains. Courtesy Seven News

STARTLING vision has emerged of a woman's dice with death at a train station in the Blue Mountains.

Channel 7 has obtained the footage of a woman jumping onto an open carriage of a freight train as it rolled through Springwood station at roughly 20km/h last Wednesday night.

The woman slipped in between carriages and ended up on the tracks but miraculously survived.

She was left bloodied and bruised and treated by paramedics at the station.

Police said they decided not to charge the woman but slammed her "reckless" actions.

"She learnt a lesson the hard way," Blue Mountains inspector Mick Bostock told Channel 7.

"She could have been killed or injured ... I wouldn't recommend it."

Train driver Dave Mathie said he was "absolutely stunned" the woman survived the incident.

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Teen crash victim was a "beautiful boy"

The site of a fatal car crash in Munster, where a 14 year old boy died. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: News Limited

A 14-YEAR-old boy has died and a young girl has been seriously injured after they were hit by a car in Perth's southern suburbs overnight.

Tributes are already pouring in on Facebook for the 14-year-old boy who died, Jose Garces.

Mr Garces and the girl, also 14, were crossing the intersection of Stock Road and Beeliar Drive in Munster about midnight when they were struck by a Ford Falcon.

Munster crash victim Jose Garces (14.) Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

The driver of the car stopped to help at the scene as did several passing motorists.

Mr Garces died at the scene, while the girl was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital with serious injuries.

The man driving the car was not injured, police say. Officers have spoken to him, but their investigations are ongoing. No charges have been laid.

Friends have described Mr Garces as a "beautiful boy" on Facebook in a series of heartfelt tributes.

"You have given me so many amazing memories that I didn't have the chance to thank you for," wrote one friend on the social media site today.

"It won't be the same anymore without you.

The scene in Munster where a 14-year-old boy and girl were hit by a car. Source: PerthNow

"You had a killer smile and I can't believe I won't be able to see that ever again."

Another friend wrote: "You will be forever in my heart. I will never forget you. Rest in paradise you beautiful boy."

"I don't want to believe you're gone, I love you so much I hope it's better wherever you are now," wrote another devastated friend.

Debris remains scattered at the intersection and floral tributes have been gathering near the crash site.

Police are seeking witnesses to the crash or who may have seen the victims or the car prior to it.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Fisherman faces 'massive backlash'

The fisherman on their boat set drum lines off the Dunsborough coast yesterday. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

THE fisherman now catching and killing sharks under Premier Colin Barnett's controversial shark-kill policy faces a "massive public backlash" and may be operating illegally.

That is the warning from WA's top environmental advocate this morning after the first shark was caught on drum lines off Dunsborough and shot dead earlier today.

Conservation Council of WA director Piers Verstegen said it was a "sad day" for WA.

First shark caught and killed

Drum lines set to kill

"It is certainly a sad day for our marine life and for thousands of people in WA opposed to killing endangered sharks," he said.

"There is also a high risk he's running that there could be legal action taken because we don't believe the Government has dotted all the I's and crossed all the T's.

"He can expect a pretty significant public backlash but also potential legal challenges. A lot of people and organisations are looking into legal challenges and we believe this activity is in breach of the Environmental Protection Act.

The fisherman on their boat set drum lines off the Dunsborough coast yesterday. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

"Here is WA we expect the private sector to have proper environmental impact statements done, particularly involving threatened species, and those rules also apply to the Government and to their contractors."

Mr Verstegen predicted a backlash against the Government shark policy.

"This is just going to increase the level of public opposition to the shark cull when people see images and hearing stories of these sharks being culled.

"People are realising it's not just a crazy idea being talked about, it's actually being implemented."

The first shark was caught and shot dead under Colin Barnett's controversial shark-kill policy before 8am this morning, less than 24 hours after drum lines and baited hooks were set off Old Dunsborough in the South-West as part of the WA Government's "shark mitigation program".

The fisherman contracted to set and monitor the drum lines was back on the water at 6am this morning to check the nine drum lines and their baits.

He discovered one had successfully hooked a large shark and the animal was shot before being towed "well out" to sea.

Sharks under 3m are to be released if possible and those over 3m are destroyed.

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Time to end social divide

Respected Aboriginal elder, Associate Professor Ted Wilkes. Source: News Limited

AUSTRALIA Day is simply a "celebration for white fellas", respected Aboriginal elder Ted Wilkes says.

Associate Professor Wilkes, who is today recognised for dedicating his life to fighting for better quality of life for indigenous Australians, called for a new national holiday that celebrates every Australian.

But he also revealed that he was initially considering turning down the invitation to be named an Officer of the Order of Australia because of the hurt the day has brought his people.

He is one of 40 Australians to be awarded the honour - and just six West Australians, including geriatrics specialist Penny Flett, conservation biologist Andrew Burbidge, sustainability expert Peter Newman, public health advocate Mike Daube and the late Kieran McNamara, the former boss of WA's environment department.

"But since then, I've sat down and cleared my head, and I'm very proud to accept the honour," he said.

"I'm a proud Australian; I'm just a very, very proud indigenous Australian.

"I thought that if I accept this and it gives me a foundation for others to join me (that can only help).

"I know I can't do this stuff on my own - I do need others and I do need non-Aboriginal Australians to assist me, and I thought well if I get this award, I can use it to fight from within in a sense."

Associate Professor Wilkes, a Prime Ministerial appointment to the Australian National Council on Drugs, said he was honoured by the recognition, which he would accept on behalf of his eight children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other indigenous Australians.

But he said Australia must change the way it celebrates Australia Day.

"I think one of the big hurdles we've got to overcome in this country is the indifference that we have towards each other and as we see other cultural groups coming into this country, we still note that there are reservations and a lack of compassion we're showing to one another," he said.

"We need to develop our compassion for others who are different from us. If we can get that done, Australia will be a trendsetter in this world.

"That might then lend ourselves to allowing us to collapse the flag, and let's walk under the one banner. At the moment, Aboriginal people will be celebrating a Survival Day concert while other West Australians are sitting around on the river and celebrating Australia Day."

Semi-retired Broome linguist Alma Hudson, 75, has been recognised for her work recording and preserving indigenous languages - a passion that was forged when she moved to Fitzroy Crossing in 1967 to translate the Bible.

"I grew up in an era and I grew up in a part of Queensland where I met no Aboriginal people and when I came up here I could see what we had done to the languages and I could see the demise of the languages," she said.

Former Pilbara MP Tom Stephens, who retired at the last state election, was also acknowledged for "service to indigenous affairs and to the Parliament of WA".

Mr Stephens has been a long-term campaigner for indigenous rights, which even landed him in Wyndham prison in the early 1980s.

"There's some symmetry and irony in the fact that 30 years later that work leads to me being included in the Australia Day Honours List when just a few decades ago that work was the basis for people taking great offence," Mr Stephens said.

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First shark caught, killed off WA

The first shark was caught and shot dead in the South West today under the State Governments controversial shark-kill policy. Courtesy Nine News

A rider on a jet ski gets a close look at the shark boat laying a baited drum line

THE first shark has been caught and shot dead under Colin Barnett's controversial shark-kill policy.

It happened before 8am this morning, less than 24 hours after drum lines and baited hooks were set off Old Dunsborough in the South-West as part of the WA Government's "shark mitigation program".

The fisherman contracted to set and monitor the drum lines was back on the water at 6am this morning to check the nine drum lines and their baits.

Drumlines set to catch and kill

'National interest' exempts WA shark laws from environment review

Union claims Fisheries staff now at risk

He discovered one had successfully hooked a large shark and the animal was reportedly shot four times before being towed "well out" to sea.

The shark killed off the WA coast. Picture: Nine News Perth Source: Supplied

The species of shark has not been confirmed, but there was reportedly confusion over whether it was a tiger or bull shark.

Sharks under 3m are to be released if possible and those over 3m are destroyed.

At 2.45pm today, there were no reports of any more sharks being caught and killed.

Conservationists and green groups including the Animal Rescue Team immediately denounced the shark kill and labelled it a "slaughter".

By 4.15pm yesterday, nine drum lines had been set 1km offshore from Old Dunsborough and Castle Rock at Cape Naturaliste.

The drum lines were attached to the ocean floor by anchor and connected to buoys and baited hooks designed to snare big sharks.

Within a couple of hours, PerthNow in a nearby boat watched as a very big ray investigated one baited hook.

Under his contract with the State Government, the professional fisherman who set the drum lines must now monitor the coast 12 hours a day between 6am and 6pm, rebaiting the hooks and waiting for a catch.

Yesterday's start came amid strong protests from green groups and activists who were in Dunsborough but did not interfere with the operation.

The fisherman on their boat set drum lines off the Dunsborough coast yesterday. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

Amy-Lea Wilkins, spokeswoman for conservation group Animal Rescue Team, said she had a team of 22 volunteers in Dunsborough, including a vet and a marine biologist who would enter the water with diving gear to free hooked sharks as well as by-catch, such as dolphins, turtles and rays.

"We don't want any marine life dying and we'll do our best to save any animals that are caught, including sharks," Ms Wilkins said.

Anti-cull campaigner Simon Peterffy, who has formed a "marine response unit'', yesterday pledged: "We'll be stopping the hunt, we will be neutralising these drums and we'll be doing rescues of dolphins and other by-catch.''

In his only interview from the back of his boat, the fisherman - whom PerthNow has decided not to name - said he used mackerel to bait the "very large" hooks but from next week he would be using "really good bait", salmon from South Australia.

The fisherman on their boat set drum lines off the Dunsborough coast yesterday. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

He said Water Police and Fisheries officers were on standby to protect him against protesters "but only if necessary, and so far it hasn't been necessary".

"We are worried about what they might do, what they might throw at us or the extreme things they might do," he said.

The fisherman said the drum lines "might make the beaches safer".

"But I'm more interested in the research we can contribute to," he said.

The fisherman, a South-West resident for 40 years, said he was "spooked" by the spate of shark attacks and the anecdotal increase in great white numbers.

If he caught a shark over 3m, he said: "We'll destroy it. We will shoot it and take it well offshore and dispose of it. We will puncture the gut cavity so the lice can get in."

He said by-catch would be unlikely because of the large size of the hooks used.

A large Bull Ray has a nibble at the bait on one of the drum baits. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: Supplied

"We're targeting large sharks, the big ones. I doubt we'll catch anything else," he said.

Sharks under 3m would be released.

"We'll have to be very careful and we're still developing a procedure. We'll have to grab them and we've got a mesh glove for that. You don't want to put your hand down its mouth, that's for sure," he said.

"We're dealing with a wild animal that I have every respect for, and I really mean that, I have every respect for these animals and I take that very seriously."

Earlier threats from activists prompted some fishermen who had tendered for the Perth contracts to pull out.

As a result, Fisheries Department staff will now bait and monitor hooks off the five locations near metropolitan beaches.

More anti-cull rallies are planned for Saturday, including another one at Cottesloe.

Organiser Natalie Banks, hopes for an even bigger crowd than the 4500 who attended the first rally earlier this month.

"We know that the majority of people are frustrated with this initiative," she said.

Premier Colin Barnett has not responded to an invitation to attend.

Great whites are protected but Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt this week granted the State Government a temporary exemption from national environment laws.

The fisherman on their boat set drum lines off the Dunsborough coast yesterday. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: Supplied

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Spectacular Skyworks wow revellers

Australia Day Skyworks 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

HUNDREDS of thousands of revellers were seemingly well-behaved as they packed Perth's Swan River foreshore to enjoy the nation's biggest Australia Day fireworks show.

By mid-afternoon, spectators were gathering in full force for the 30-minute City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks pyrotechnics display at Langley Park on the city side of the river and the South Perth foreshore.

Earlier today, it had been expected that crowd numbers at viewing hot spots including the South Perth foreshore, Kings Park and Langley Park would reach 300,000.

PICTURE GALLERY: Skyworks amaze

PICTURE GALLERY: Aussie spirit all around

Australia Day 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

A WA Police spokeswoman said there had been no major incidents and crowds had been well-behaved.

Prior to the event, police said they would slap $200 fines on anyone caught drinking outside designated areas.

A St John Ambulance spokesman said there had been a number of incidents throughout the night which were related to the event.

Earlier it seemed the Brits were out in force forming their own "Barmy Army" among the throng of people flocking to the foreshore for a glimpse of the show.

Jeanty Zanazzi enjoys the fireworks show. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

But by the end of the night the display had proven a hit as 'oohs' and 'ahhs' echoed from crowds for over half an hour.

Jeanty Zanazzi, of Beeliar, compared the skyworks to Sydney's New Year's Eve display over the Sydney harbour.

"I love fireworks, I live for fireworks," Ms Zanazzi said.

"I think we've done pretty good. I like the bits that look like golden sunflowers."

The Australia Day Skyworks light up the sky. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

Sue Taylor, from Girrawheen, said: "I really loved it, the finale was the best part."

"I thought it was fantastic," Helen Spencer, also from Girrawheen said.

Kayleigh Halstead, 26, was "just joining in the tradition" as she and a group of English friends celebrated on the foreshore before the fireworks.

"It's good to be here, to celebrate Australia," Ms Halstead said.

Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields.

Norma Crawford travelled from Hampshire in England's south to celebrate in Perth for the first time with WA-based relatives.

"I picked this holiday for Australia Day," Ms Crawford said.

Dawn Logan, who travelled from Port Hedland to celebrate on the foreshore, said it was important for Australians to remember why they were considered lucky.

"It's fabulous that we celebrate Australia and being Australian," Ms Logan said.

Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields.

"What it means to be Australian is to be free, to be able to experience this wonderful country.

"We've got the opportunity to do whatever we want to do.

"Everyone can enjoy the views, everyone can participate."

Viewing hot spots across the city hadn't filled by 5pm but families sporting the Australian colours were staking their turf after being entertained through the afternoon at Langley Park.

Abbey Taylor celebrates Australia Day 2014. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij

Motorcycle stunt rides, an airshow, water park and paintball were just some of the activities hosted by the City of Perth from 3pm.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Skyworks and punters were all too happy to express their high expectations.

"It was pretty awesome last year so I'm thinking with the 30th anniversary it should be pretty good," Rockingham mother-of-two Katherine Hanson said.

Ms Hanson's son Matthew, 9, said Australia Day was about celebrating the good fortune of the 'lucky country'.

Cassie Armstrong, Danny and Bianca Politis and Misty Walker on the Perth foreshore for Australia Day. Picture: Jordan Shields

"I'm pretty lucky to be living in Australia because there's lots of poverty going on around the world," he said.

A State Government crackdown on illegal camping and unruly partygoers at the shack community of Wedge Island, north of Lancelin, has so far proved successful.

More than 4000 people gathered on the 400m long island on Australia Day last year - authorities say the island can't cope with that many visitors - while a New Year's party this year ended in an alleged murder.

Department of Parks and Wildlife midwest regional manager Nigel Sercombe said visitor numbers were lower than 2013.

Crowds enjoy the Australia Day celebrations on the South Perth foreshore. Picture: Jordan Shields

``It seems the disruptive element has stayed away,'' Mr Sercombe said.

``Visitors have mainly been shack lessees, their friends and family, and day visitors. It has been a quiet weekend at this stage.''

Perth beaches were busy, as expected, with a Guinness world record set at Cottesloe for the third consecutive year for the longest line of inflatable thongs on the ocean.

A South West beach was the scene of controversy, however, with the first shark killed at Meelup under the state's catch-and-kill policy designed to protect water users.

Chris Beaumont, Amy Devenish and Karel Losada brought down the cricket bat and ball for a bit of a hit along the Perth foreshore. Picture: Matthew Poon

At the nation's biggest citizenship ceremony in the northern Perth suburb of Wanneroo, where 751 people became Australians, WA Premier Colin Barnett was heckled about the shark program.

He replied: "The great thing about Australia is we can all voice our opinion''.

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Serco spy games: Escapees' ultimatum

The Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre. Source: News Limited

ASYLUM seekers who escape detention would be sent offshore for processing under tough new measures to deal with breakouts.

Detainees would also undergo a vetting process used to identify potential terrorists to weed out high-risk individuals.

Documents leaked to The Sunday Times show Serco, the embattled private contractor that runs most of the country's detention centres, is desperate to overhaul safety procedures.

It comes after a spate of breakouts - including 24 detainees escaping in 13 separate incidents since July last year.

Last week, The Sunday Times revealed how three asylum seekers took just 45 seconds to escape from a Northam detention centre on January 12 using nothing more than padded socks.

Serco has come under increasing pressure from authorities to lift their performance.

The documents show Serco wants to transfer detainees who attempt escapes to more secure facilities. It suggests offshore centres such as Manus Island and Christmas Island.

Serco also calls for the current security risk assessment process for detainees to be replaced by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's T4 Threat Methodology.

Currently, detainees are only assessed after they commit a misdemeanor.

Even then, their risk rating does not affect how they are monitored.

T4 is the group within ASIO - the country's spy agency - that provides security advice on potential threats of espionage, sabotage and politically motivated violence.

Under this process, detainees would be assessed on arrival and their threat level determined by other information such as their resourcefulness and ability to escape.

Serco also recommends escapees face criminal charges to deter copycat attempts or ¬repeat breakouts.

It also calls for facilities, such as the Yongah Hill Detention Centre in Northam, to be altered to include extra fencing to prevent escape bids.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison this week demanded Serco lift its performance.

A spokesman for Mr Morrison yesterday said he would not comment on risk assessment processes for "operational reasons" but that all "illegal maritime arrivals" were "eligible" to be sent offshore.

He said in light of recent escapes at Yongah Hill, the government was upgrading the facility and moving medium to high-risk detainees.

The spokesman said the Minister was also "examining stronger sanction options" for escapees.

Refugee advocates have condemned the recommendation to send escapees offshore.

"I don't think any of those measures are going to help," Case for Refugees chief executive Shayla Strapps said.

"Perhaps the Minister should consider why these people are escaping."

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Aussie of the Year a Goodes choice

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire cautions against hysteria in the matter of a racial slur directed at Swans champ Adam Goodes, allegedly from a teenage Pies fan.

AFL star and Australian of the Year finalist Adam Goodes. Source: News Limited

AFL player and Aboriginal leader Adam Goodes has been named Australian of the Year for 2014.

Goodes was honoured for his leadership and advocacy in the fight against racism both on the sporting field and within society more broadly.

An indigenous Andyamathanha man, Goodes is a champion AFL player with the Sydney Swans.

He holds an elite place in AFL history, with two Brownlow Medals and two premierships.

``Thank you Australia for this award. This is a huge honour,'' Goodes told the crowd at the ceremony in Canberra.

Goodes said growing up as an indigenous Australian he had seen his fair share of racism.

``I believe racism is a community issue which we all need to address and that's why racism stops with me,'' he said.

Last year, the focus shifted momentarily from Goodes' outstanding playing ability to a racial slur on the field.

In a Swans match against Collingwood last May, a teenage girl called Goodes an ``ape'' from the grandstand.

Goodes said he turned the incident into an educational tool to teach indigenous Australians and minority groups to say no to racism.

The 34-year-old is a four-time All-Australian, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, and has represented Australia in the International Rules Series.

He is actively involved with several indigenous sport and community programs, and has spent time working with troubled youngsters, including in youth detention centres.

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Together with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin, he established the GO Foundation which seeks to empower the next generation of indigenous role models.

Goodes made it clear he would have racism in his sights over the coming year.

``My hope is that we as a nation can break down the silos between races, break down those stereotypes of minority populations,'' he said.

``I hope we can be proud of our heritage, regardless of the colour of our skin and be proud to be Australian.

``The ultimate reward is when all Australians see each other as equals, and treat each other as equals.''

Goodes' mother Lisa, a member of the Stolen Generation, was among those in the crowd for the announcement.

Goodes receives his award from Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Source: AAP Source: Supplied

Australian of the Year 2014 - Adam Goodes (NSW)

- Joined Sydney Swans in 1997

- Dual Brownlow medallist

- Two AFL premiership victories

- Mentor to indigenous kids, establishing Go Foundation with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin

Jacqueline Freney from New South Wales at a morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited

Jacqueline Freney is no stranger to a podium but usually it's right beside a swimming pool.

On Saturday it wasn't another gold medal for the the Paralympic swimmer but instead a national honour, as the 21-year-old was named Young Australian of the Year for 2014.

``This is a significant day not only for me but for also for the Paralympic movement as it reflects the unique role Paralympians play in society,'' the Brisbane-born athlete said as she accepted her award.

Cerebral palsy has not stopped Freney achieving sporting success, and at the London 2012 Games she won eight gold medals - the greatest haul by any athlete in the Australian team.

In fact, she won a gold medal for every event in which she competed and set two world records.

The performance earned her the crown as Australia's 2012 Paralympian of the Year.

``Please understand that I'm just a country girl who was born with extra life challenges,'' Freney told the Canberra crowd.

``I'm an example of how a child with special needs can develop and achieve with support, guidance, encouragement and opportunity.

``I ask that all Australians respect each other's diversity and acknowledge their ability to contribute to this great country.''

Freney's efforts have continued out of the pool, working with Swimming Australia as a motivational speaker to inspire other athletes with disabilities.

Freney's current focus is training for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Young Australian of the Year 2014 - Jacqueline Freney (NSW)

- Aged 21

- Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer

- Most successful Australian of the London 2012 Paralympic Games

* * *

Senior Australian of the Year Fred Chaney AO, at a morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited

Former federal politician Fred Chaney's contribution to Australian society remains resolute, as does his championing of indigenous rights since his departure from parliament in 1993.

The one-time Liberal senator and lower house MP for Western Australia, 72, has been named Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his commitment to reconciliation and human rights.

Stepping up to accept his award in Canberra on Saturday, Mr Chaney voiced his hope that Australia will soon achieve constitutional recognition for indigenous people.

``I have one learning I've taken from the past 50 years and that is for the prime minister to meet his ambition, for all of us to meet our ambitions to close the gap and to do the right thing by Aboriginal people,'' Mr Chaney said after stepping forward to accept his award on Saturday.

``We have to work in partnership with Aboriginal people ... and if we do that then the political firepower that's being directed, the bureaucratic firepower and the community firepower will enable the Aboriginal people of Australia to have their rightful place in this country.''

Mr Chaney served as minister for Aboriginal affairs in the Fraser government but his commitment to indigenous rights began earlier.

He was an early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights in the 1960s and he later helped establish the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.

Earlier on Saturday he recalled the ``brilliant campaign'' leading up to the 1967 referendum which allowed indigenous people to be counted in the census and for parliament to make laws concerning them.

He hopes a similarly strong momentum will build ahead of a planned referendum on recognising Aboriginal people in the constitution.

``In all his leadership roles, Mr Chaney inspires others to work collaboratively, respectfully and ambitiously to overcome the barriers that inhibit people's full economic and social participation in Australian society,'' a statement from the National Australia Day Council said.

Mr Chaney has served in a senior role with the National Native Title Tribunal and other advocacy groups, including the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation, which supports young indigenous people to reach their full potential.

The father of three, who trained as a lawyer, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997 for his service to parliament and the Aboriginal community.

Senior Australian of the Year 2014 - Fred Chaney (WA)

- Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in Fraser Government

- Early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights

- Founding co-chair of Reconciliation Australia

* * *

Local Hero, Tim Conolan, at the morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited

Tim Conolan has been a hero for millions of sick children over the past 15 years and now the title is official.

The Victorian founder and boss of children's charity TLC For Kids has been named Australia's Local Hero for 2014 by the National Australia Day Council.

``To say that I'm overwhelmed is a complete understatement,'' the 44-year-old said as he accepted the honour in Canberra.

He says he set up TLC for Kids because of a lack of services for sick children.

``I believe that any sick child, regardless of their illness, has a right to support,'' he said.

And all sick children should have the opportunity to smile, he said.

``I believe that we are living in the best country in the world and with enough support and everyone getting behind us we can all make a difference. So let's make 2014 the year of the smile,'' he said.

He said the real heroes were the sick children, their families and the hospital staff that help them everyday.

Started in 1998, Mr Conolan's charity offers practical and emotional support to ill youngsters and their families at hundreds of hospitals across the country.

One of TLC's programs includes supplying therapeutic toys and items used by health-care professionals to guide children through frightening and painful procedures.

As a young man Mr Conolan was asked to address a cancer support group as a motivational speaker, where he was inspired to help some of the seriously-ill children he met.

Since then the entrepreneur has made it his mission to ensure all children in hospital have the support they need.

Australia's Local Hero 2014 - Tim Conolan (VIC)

- Set up charity TLC for kids in 1998

- Has helped more than four million sick children and their families

- Former DJ

* * *

THE FULL LIST OF AUSTRALIANS OF THE YEAR

2014 - Adam Goodes

2013 - Ita Buttrose

2012 - Geoffrey Rush

2011 - Simon McKeon

2010 - Prof Patrick McGorry

2009 - Prof Mick Dodson

2008 - Lee Kernaghan

2007 - Prof Tim Flannery

2006 - Prof Ian Frazer

2005 - Dr Fiona Wood

2004 - Steve Waugh

2003 - Prof Fiona Stanley

2002 - Pat Rafter

2001 - Lt Gen Peter Cosgrove

2000 - Sir Gustav Nossal

1999 - Mark Taylor

1998 - Cathy Freeman

1997 - Prof Peter Doherty

1996 - Dr John Yu

1995 - Arthur Boyd

1994 - Ian Kiernan

1992 - Mandawuy Yunupingu

1991 - Archbishop Peter Hollingworth

1990 - Dr Fred Hollows

1989 - Allan Border

1988 - Kay Cottee

1987 - John Farnham

1986 - Dick Smith

1985 - Paul Hogan

1984 - Lowitja O'Donoghue

1983 - Robert de Castella

1982 - Sir Edward Williams

1981 - Sir John Crawford

1980 - Manning Clark

1979 - Harry Butler, Senator Neville Bonner

1978 - Alan Bond, Galarrwuy Yunupingu

1977 - Sir Murray Tyrrell, Dame Raigh Roe

1976 - Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop

1975 - Major General Alan Stretton

1975 - Sir John Cornforth

1974 - Sir Bernard Heinze

1973 - Patrick White

1972 - Shane Gould

1971 - Evonne Goolagong

1970 - Cardinal Sir Norman Gilroy

1969 - Richard Gardiner Casey

1968 - Lionel Rose

1967 - The Seekers

1966 - Sir Jack Brabham

1965 - Sir Robert Helpmann

1964 - Dawn Fraser

1963 - Sir John Eccles

1962 - Alexander 'Jock' Sturrock

1961 - Dame Joan Sutherland

1960 - Sir Macfarlane Burnet

Source: National Australia Day Council. No award given in 1993

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