Upcoming Events

Kaartidjin kwop koorliny | Empowerment in Action

Building Employment, Business and Leadership Pathways

WALGA’s annual Aboriginal Engagement Forum is returning to the State Reception Centre, Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park), Boorloo (Perth) on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. 

WALGA has proudly hosted the Aboriginal Engagement Forum since 2017, providing a space for the WA Local Government sector and partners to embrace the principles of reconciliation, to listen, learn, and share our work in progressing respectful Aboriginal and community engagement.    

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

Registrations close Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

Register Now

What to expect

The Forum brings together First Nations leaders and key stakeholders for a day of learning, stories and fostering collaboration between Local Governments and Aboriginal communities across policy, programs and service delivery.  

Following on from the success of last year's sold-out event, discussions at the 2026 Forum will include how Local Governments can sustain positive employment and economic empowerment outcomes, such as ways to reduce cultural load for Aboriginal employees and Elected Members, truth telling and culturally informed decision-making. 

Program Now Available

Frank Mitchell

Co-Director at Wilco Electrical and Co-Founder/Director at Kardan Construction, Baldja and Bilyaa Architects & Design

Frank Mitchell, a proud Whadjuk Yued Nyoongar man and 2026 Australian Local Hero, is widely respected for creating meaningful social impact and empowering employment pathways for Aboriginal people, families and communities.

Drew Mayhills

Chief Learning and Innovation Officer at AIM WA

Drew is a leader, coach and facilitator, committed to lifelong learning. A 2023 Churchill Fellow, he's recognised for his expertise in leadership development, performance and innovation. He leads Beediyar, AIM WA’s flagship executive leadership development program for First Nations leaders.

Cr. Brooke O’Donnell

Councillor for the City of Kalamunda, Operations Manager at Wanparta, Co-Founder at MARDAA

Brooke O’Donnell is a proud Palyku woman whose work spans culture, community and creativity. Through MARDAA, ceremony and coaching, she blends cultural authenticity, eco‑conscious design and a passion for lifting emerging leaders, honouring life’s moments with heart.

Jeremy Maitland-Smith

First Nations Lead at St John Ambulance WA

A proud Thiin Mah and Warrianga Yamatji man, Jeremy Maitland‑Smith draws on clinical experience and lived cultural knowledge to champion equity, cultural safety and accountable systems change, building strong partnerships and driving community‑led transformation in emergency care.

Program

8.30am	Registrations
9.00am	Event opening: MC Roanna Edwards
9.10am	Welcome to Country: Cr Barry Winmar, WALGA State Councillor, Deputy Mayor, City of Kwinana
9.20am	WALGA President's Address
9.30am	Minister's Address: Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
9.40am	Keynote: Frank Mitchell - The Multiplier Effect: Transforming local investment into national impact
10.30am	Byrdik Byrdik (Morning tea)
11.00am	In Conversation: Beediyar Leaders Breaking the Mould: New approaches to First Nations executive leadership
12.00pm	Givit x Ngalla Yorga Waangkan: Empowering community through purposeful giving
12.30pm	Merenj Gnarning (Lunch)
1.15pm	Performance: Iconyx with Bella-Rae
1.45pm	In Conversation: Sharing the Load: Empowering your Local Government workforce through cultural safety and allyship
2.45pm	Byrdik Byrdik (Afternoon tea)
3.15pm	Morrgul: Supporting the growth of Aboriginal supply chains across regional WA
3.45pm	Datni (Reflections)
4.00pm	Event Close

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Your event at a glance

Join Local Government, industry and community sector leaders as they share bold, practical strategies to enhance Aboriginal employment, leadership and cultural capability across organisations.

KEYNOTE

The Multiplier Effect: Transforming local investment into national impact

Proud Whadjuk Yued Nyoongar man and 2026 Australian Local Hero Frank Mitchell will talk about his leadership journey and share how his businesses create empowering employment pathways and powerful, lasting impact for Aboriginal people, families and communities. 

IN CONVERSATION

Beediyar Leaders - Breaking the Mould - new approaches to First Nations executive leadership

Join AIM WA's Drew Mayhills, Cr. Brooke O'Donnell, City of Kalamunda and Jeremy Maitland-Smith from St John WA, as they reflect on their experience of Beediyar - AIM WA’s flagship executive development program for First Nations leaders and managers. They will share practical strategies for how Local Governments can attract, empower, and support Aboriginal leaders to thrive and advance throughout their organisations.

IN CONVERSATION

Sharing the Load: Empowering your Local Government workforce through cultural safety and allyship

Reconciliation WA will join Local Government practice leaders to discuss tools and strategies to create culturally safe, meaningful and sustainable employment pathways for Aboriginal staff and allies.

The artist behind the artwork

Tamara Hayden, a proud Noongar yorga from Balladong and Goreng country, brings deep cultural storytelling to her artwork Walking on Country. Inspired by her lived experience, community leadership, and passion for creativity, her work celebrates culture, strengthens identity, and honours her Elders.

Her piece for the 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum reflects empowerment, connection, and keeping culture strong for future generations.

Learn More