What's in store for 2014

The year 2013 has come and gone. It's time to look ahead and see what 2014 has in store.

January

With New Year's Day being on a Wednesday there is no long weekend and the mid-week hangover may be the bane of your existence. But January is not all that bad and it starts with the Karratha Returned and Services League 30th anniversary celebrations. In what is sure to be a big night, the RSL will celebrate three decades of support for those who sacrificed their time and risked their lives to keep us safe. Then later in the month as there is every year, we have the Australia Day celebrations. This is a special day all across the country and no one celebrates it harder than those in Karratha. So fire up those barbecues and crack open those stubbies for another big day.

February

Since Steven Bradbury in Salt Lake City, 2002, Australians have been in love with the Winter Olympics and this year is sure to be no different. Held in Sochi, Russia, the event is set to be another massive one. There are even a couple of West Australians vying to compete at the 22nd games. So if you're dreaming of a winter wonderland and want to get out of the hot February Pilbara sun, sit down and enjoy what the skiing, bobsledding, snowboarding and ice-skating has to offer.

March

Men across the Pilbara, get ready to pamper those special ladies in your life. On the eighth of this month is International Women's Day, a day where women are recognised for their contribution to society, politics and the economy. The global day is also a time to look back on past troubles of division and hardship which women experienced before the fight for equality began. So Women of the Pilbara, get together and hold a celebration. Whether it's a small morning tea or a big celebratory dinner, make sure you do something special.

April

This month marks a quarter of the way through 2014 and it is surely one of the best. As the summer months are just ending and winter is on our doorstep, get ready for long weekend time. Of course this month's main attraction is Easter and there is plenty to celebrate. Whether it's eating fish on Good Friday or hunting for chocolate goodies on the Sunday, there is plenty to do for the whole family. So put those bunny ears on and enjoy the break!

May

In May there is an important message which should resonate with most people in Australia. This month is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and it is an important time for everyone to remember the deadly consequences when it comes to not protecting ourselves against the sun. Since 2010, there have been 1452 fatalities due to skin cancer, with Australia having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. According to the Federal Governments Department of Health and Ageing website, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. So this month get involved and hold a fundraiser event or charity drive to help with research for this deadly disease. To find out more information go to the Cancer Council Australia website.

June

All of the world's sporting eyes will be on Brazil this month as the FIFA World Cup kicks off. The Australian National Soccer Team, the Socceroos have already qualified for the big event and will take on the world's best in hope of becoming the world champions. So this month wrap yourself in green and gold, get a group of friends together and settle in for every 90 minutes that the Socceroos play. And when they are not competing look for home star Lionel Messi to shine or watch Portugal compete and get excited every time Christiano Ronaldo gets the ball. And of course don't forget to cheer for any team playing the long-time rivals, the English.

July

Just in case you haven't had a full sport fix, it's time to turn your eyes to Scotland for the 20th Commonwealth Games. Hosted in Glasgow, the games are a chance for Australian athletes to make up for what most consider a poor performance in the last Olympic Games. Watch out for speed swimmer James Magnussen having another crack at gold after the disappointment of the 2012 Olympics. Also watch for the all-conquering men's and women's national hockey teams who have a great mixture of youth and experience. Glasgow is sure to come alight as the Commonwealth nations come together for a big few weeks of sporting fun.

August

If you have ever wondered what is out there, above the clouds and beyond the stars, then this month's space experience is going to please you greatly. NASA's New Horizons is a robotic space shuttle en route to Pluto. It is not expected to arrive at Pluto until 2015, but on August 24 it is expected to orbit Neptune. So grab a telescope and head out to the highest point you can find and have a look. We cannot mention August in the Pilbara without talking about the FeNaClNG festival. Celebrating its 42nd anniversary, the festival is sure to be bigger and better than the previous year and have everything you wait all year to experience. The Shire of Roebourne will release the dates early in the year, so mark it on the calendar, get the family in the car and off you go for a full day of fun and entertainment.

September

Fathers, your special day has arrived. This month contains Father's Day and it is the perfect day to say thanks to your Dad. Buy him some new underwear and socks, crack him open a beer and cook him a nice juicy steak. This day is all about him. Also this month is the AFL and NRL finals. This is some of the best sport that Australia has to offer. With the success of the Fremantle Dockers last season, this year is bound to bring WA more excitement than ever. Get down to the local pub or get a group of friends together for the games and soak in the atmosphere as you cheer your team to glory.

October

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a month to recognise the deadly but all-too-common disease and the effect it has on the families and friends of its victims. Fundraisers and awareness campaigns will be highly promoted during this month, and this means that there will be plenty of fun, factual and worthwhile events that can be attended, all for a good cause. Get on board to help find a cure or prevention for such a prominent and terrible disease. Go to the Breast Cancer Care WA website for information on events during this month.

November

What a month this is going to be, November is chock full of interesting and fun things to do. For all those men out there it's time to put the razor away and grow those Mos for Movember, and raise necessary funds for prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health in men. Also this month is the Melbourne Cup, so ladies and gentlemen, put on your bests on and head to your nearest race course for a full day of action and fun. November is also Sweet Potato Awareness Month, so get hold of some of those lovely vegetables and take in their goodness.

December

Wrap up the year in a big way in December. Troops from Australia, America and Britain are expected to be withdrawn from Afghanistan this month, which is a cause to celebrate. This is the time to show our gratitude towards the soldiers who have bravely sacrificed so much for our country. December also brings us into the Christmas season, a perfect time to get together with friends and family for celebrations. This is the ideal way to bring in the New Year in the Pilbara, so get ready because before you know it, 2015 will be here.