Proclamation Day march cancelled

The annual Proclamation Day march to commemorate Albany’s status as the first WA European settlement will not be held this year after funding for the event could not be obtained.

For the past 15 years, the march has been held on the date Major Edmund Lockyer settled in Albany.

Major Lockyer Proclamation Society president Andrew Eyden said he understood the City of Albany’s decision not to fund the march.

“Obviously the Anzac centenary commemorations (this year) are a big period for the City,” he said.

“We will still commemorate at the site but without the parade.

“The City can’t fund everybody and everything.”

Mr Eyden said there was a possibility the Major Lockyer Proclamation Society and the Albany Historical Society could amalgamate in the future to help fund the march.

City community services executive director Cameron Woods confirmed the application for funding this year was unsuccessful.

“The City of Albany supports a range of community events through its community event sponsorship program,” he said.

“This is a competitive program, with many applications received for the same pool of funding. The City of Albany assesses each application on its own merits.”

A direct descendent of Major Lockyer, Colin Lockyer, said it was very disappointing to not have a march this year.

“If there is not going to be a march this year, that is pretty disappointing,” he said.

“We could have had a meeting or something or looked at doing some fundraising but I haven’t heard anything from anyone.”

Instead of the march, a group will meet at 37 Duke Street on January 21 to walk to the original pole placed by Major Edmund Lockyer at Parade Street.