2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum

Key sector event

Forums

Elected members, CEO, Officer, State or Federal Government

Wednesday, 18 Mar 2026

8:30AM - 4:00PM

State Reception Centre, Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park)
60 Fraser Avenue, Kings Park WA 6005

Local Government - $200
Non-Local Government - $220

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.

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. 

Sponsor a Community Partner

WALGA is pleased to offer a substantially discounted ticket rate for Local Governments who would like to fund an Aboriginal community leader or collaborator to attend the 2026 Aboriginal Engagement Forum. A strictly limited number of sponsored tickets are available for $100 each.   

Local Governments can enquire about sponsoring a community partner by contacting [email protected]

Please note, the sponsored tickets are only available for external community members who collaborate with your Local Government.

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