2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum success

On Wednesday, 18 March, more than 250 First Nations leaders, Local Government Officers, State Government representatives and WA business owners came together at the State Reception Centre, Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park) for WALGA's 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum. 

The Forum provided opportunities for learning, stories and fostering collaboration between Local Governments and Aboriginal communities across policy, programs and service delivery.   

Kaartidjin kwop koorliny | Empowerment in Action 

This year’s Forum theme ‘Kaartidjin kwop koorliny | Empowerment in Action’ focused on strengthening Aboriginal representation within Local Government, and building employment, business and leadership pathways. 

Opened by State Councillor and City of Kwinana Deputy Mayor Barry Winmar, with addresses by WALGA President Mark Irwin and the Honourable Don Punch MLA, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, delegates were asked to think how they could empower action in their own communities once they left the room.
 

'How many more people have potential, but lack opportunity?' 

The event keynote, 2026 Australian of the Year Local Hero Frank Mitchell delivered a powerful keynote presentation ‘The Multiplier Effect: Transforming Local Investment into National Impact’. Frank shared his personal story and how he and his partners have created over 70 Aboriginal upskilling positions in the electrical and construction industry. Frank shared how he integrated cultural values with business leadership, strengthening his ties to community while reshaping the construction industry and creating lasting impact and social justice.    

In conversation and case examples  

Across the day, delegates heard from a number of collaborative panels and case examples including learnings from Beediyar - AIM WA's pilot accelerator program for First Nations executive leaders. Local Government examples were also shared to empower the workforce through cultural safety and allyship facilitated by RecWA, and tangible business collaboration examples from GIVIT and Morrgul. 

 


Delegates also heard an incredible performance from artists Iconyx and Bella Rae 

2026 also saw the return of the Yarning Space, with representatives from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, Morrgul, GIVIT, Reconciliation WA, The Australian Institute of Management (AIM WA) and WALGA joining attendees and providing opportunities to reflect and connect. 

WALGA's 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum was guided by members of a Local Government reference group. Thank you to: 

• Aimee Ryan and Kelsee Kickett - City of Melville  
• Ash Narkle-Watson and Ben Armstrong - City of Canning  
• Michelle Sultan - City of Rockingham  
• Cr Helen Sadler, WALGA State Councillor - Town of Cottesloe  
• Carol Littlefair - Shire of York 
• Nichola Tomkins - Town of Victoria Park, and 
• Bree Crawley - City of Wanneroo  

The event built meaningful relationships and provided tangible actions, encouraging delegates to empower community‑led initiatives in their own communities. 

Make sure to keep an eye out in the coming days as the full event album is released! 

WALGA is proud to have received support for our 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS). the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). 

Photo credit: Portia Gebauer Photographer