HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE 2029 BICENTENARY HERE

Aboriginal Voices Helping Shape the 2029 WA Bicentenary

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company is proud to contribute to the conversation shaping Western Australia’s 2029 Bicentenary.

In 2029, Western Australia will mark 200 years since the establishment of the Swan River Colony. This significant milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, recognise that Aboriginal history and Culture stretches back far beyond 200 years, celebrate the diversity of our communities, and look towards a future grounded in truth telling, reconciliation and unity.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company is a member of the WA 2029 Bicentenary Planning Advisory Group (BPAG), alongside Reconciliation WA and the Community Arts Network (CAN). Together, these three community organisations are leading consultation and engagement across metropolitan, regional and remote Western Australia, helping ensure that diverse community voices inform the planning of the Bicentenary.

Listening, sharing and creating space for Aboriginal voices

As a leading Aboriginal theatre company, Yirra Yaakin brings a strong connection to Aboriginal artists, Elders, communities and storytellers across Western Australia.

Through consultation with Aboriginal communities, artists, Elders, young people and key stakeholders, we are listening to perspectives, experiences and ideas that can help shape a Bicentenary that is culturally respectful, inclusive and meaningful.

For Yirra Yaakin, this work is an opportunity to support Aboriginal voices, stories and Culture to be heard and recognised. It is also an opportunity to contribute to truth-telling, deepen understanding of Western Australia’s history and celebrate the continuing strength, diversity and richness of Aboriginal Culture.

The WA Government has identified elevating Aboriginal heritage and recognising the unique experience of Aboriginal people in this place as a key objective for the 2029 Bicentenary. The planning process also seeks to support communities across Western Australia to participate before, during and beyond 2029, creating a legacy that can be carried forward for future generations. Western Australian Government

Working together across Western Australia

The Bicentenary Planning Advisory Group brings together government representatives and community organisations to help guide the development of themes, priorities and approaches for 2029.

Reconciliation WA provides leadership, advocacy and support to people and organisations working towards reconciliation across Western Australia.

Community Arts Network (CAN) works with communities across Western Australia to share experiences, stories and perspectives through community-led arts and cultural practice.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company brings the perspective and experience of an Aboriginal-led arts organisation, with a long-standing commitment to Aboriginal theatre, Culture, storytelling and community engagement.

Together, our organisations are supporting a statewide consultation process that will help inform recommendations to the WA Government on the Bicentenary’s themes, priorities and approaches.

Looking toward 2029

Yirra Yaakin looks forward to continuing this important conversation with Aboriginal communities and communities across Western Australia.

We believe the 2029 Bicentenary provides an opportunity to listen, learn and share stories; to acknowledge the histories that have shaped this place; to celebrate Aboriginal Culture and the diversity of Western Australia; and to imagine a future that honours the past while creating meaningful opportunities for generations to come.

Find out more and have your say about the WA 2029 Bicentenary:

2029 Bicentenary Community Survey