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Albany 2026 Bicentenary 

In 2026 Albany will host Western Australia’s first Bicentenary.

Albany was the first place where Aboriginal and British people commenced living together on the western side of Australia. Albany became the gateway for the economic and social development of the land that would become known as Western Australia.

The Bicentenary is a once in a lifetime opportunity to tell the story of this place.

From the ancient Menang Noongar history to the arrival of other cultures, Albany’s strategic importance as the site of the first port in WA, the city’s connection to the Anzac story and other moments through time have developed the thriving multicultural community of today.

As Western Australia’s first Bicentenary, Albany will set the bench mark for reconciliation, and is critical to the success of Perth 2029. Key locations across Albany will form the setting for these stories of our place and people to be told, upheld and celebrated.

We invite you to be part of this year-long program of reflection, recognition and celebration designed to progress reconciliation, invest in our regional community and showcase our unique environment, cultural identity, and position in history to Australia and the world.

THE VISION:

Showcase Albany by reflecting honestly on our past, celebrating our community today and creating a future where anything is possible.

MISSION STATEMENT:

  • Advance Albany as a nationally significant regional cultural centre by showcasing and involving its diverse and unique people, Aboriginal culture, environment and produce, to recognise our shared past and look forward to our future.
  • The events, programs and products will support tourism and provide significant social and economic development and benefits to the Albany community.
  • This will be done through the Albany Approach: Menang First, co-designed and co-decided with the Albany community.

The Bicentenary Strategic Plan has been prepared by Element Advisory (element) in collaboration with the City of Albany and acts as a blueprint for decision-making and guidance in the lead up to the 2026 Bicentenary.

The Plan is intended as a guide only with built-in flexibility for the City to adapt where necessary as more updated and relevant information comes to light over the upcoming three years of planning.

The Bicentenary Strategic Plan can be found here

KEY CONTACT:

For all enquiries, please contact the City of Albany Bicentenary Coordinator on (08) 6820 3021 or [email protected].

© 2024 City of Albany