Published on Tuesday, 11 January 2022 at 11:52:57 AM
Hundreds of Merredin and Wheatbelt locals made their way down to the main streets for one of Merredin’s biggest events of the year, Gala Night, held on Thursday, 16 December 2021. The event kicked off just before 6pm, with a demonstration by Merredin Youth Boxing, before Shire President Mark McKenzie officially opened the event on the main stage.
The streets were once again packed full with market stalls, entertainment, and amusements, and local businesses opened their doors for late night trading, welcoming customers until 9pm that night.
The electric atmosphere was ignited further by the wonderful local entertainment including Rural Dance, Merredin College Choir, Merredin Bootscooters, and Brother and I.
Children let loose in their designated silly string Leisure Zone, which returned to the program after being an absolute hit in 2020. Other activities included the shooting game, Pluck a Dino, Lucky Numbers, Mega Glow van, Burracoppin FC handball game, and the Dodgy Bros inflatable dodgeball arena (pictured below).

At 7.15pm, Santa and Mrs Claus were welcomed to Merredin by a crowd of children and their parents, who lined up for the chance to meet them and receive a bag of lollies. Santa arrived on the back on a train driven by the Merredin Men’s Shed, who kindly agreed to escort him from his Sleigh which was parked up at the Merredin CRC.
The adults only Chill Out Lounge with a pop up bar and seating area also returned this year, and was run by Northside Tavern in conjunction with the Merredin Sports Council.
It was fantastic to see so many people lining the street for Gala Night and supporting businesses in town by buying local!
The Shire would like to thank the following people, businesses and organisations for their contributions to the night.
Sponsors
Lotterywest Collgar Wind Farm
Supporters
CBH Combined Tyres
Merredin Farms Merredin Police
Merredin Playgroup Avon Youth
Working Party
Hayley Billing Ebony Cleveland
Chesney Maloney Cynthia West
Maddie Earle-Sadler
Business Raffle
Merredin Flowers and Gifts Petticoat Lane
Two Dogs Cockies Ag
Merredin Panel and Paint AIM Dental Merredin
Leo'z Urban Wear and Skate Go MAD
Marie Bartlett Tupperware Café 56
Merredin Cinema and Café Subway
Mini MAD Noice Nails
The Cutting Room on Bates Australia Post
Edgecombe's Jewellers Nextra
Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Nutrien Ag Solutions
Wheatbelt Tech Supplies Ron Bateman & Co
IGA & IGA Variety Elders Real Estate
Dimensions Café Merredin Toyota
Wild Poppy Café Inspire Merredin
Hutton and Northey Sales Bizzy Scissors
Merredin Aim Cosmetic and Wellness Centre
Merredin Harvest Fresh Food Market
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