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.

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, Wilco Electrical; Co-Founder/Director, 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, 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, City of Kalamunda; Operations Manager, Wanparta; Co-Founder, 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, 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.

Cindy Ballard and Sarah Visser

Interim Chair, Ngalla Yorga Waangkan; Engagement Officer, GIVIT

Cindy is a proud Yued Yorga, helping women over the past 15 years overcome isolation through the women’s group: Ngalla Yorga Waangkan (‘We Women Talking’). Passionate about connecting generosity with need, Sarah helps GIVIT deliver essential support to individuals and communities across WA.

Francine Bayet

General Manager Members Partners and Engagement, Reconciliation WA

Francine has over two decades’ experience in the for-purpose and not-for-profit sector across stakeholder relationships, community engagement and collaborative partnerships. At Reconciliation WA, she leads membership and partnership strategy, stakeholder engagement and reconciliation programming.

Kyra Galante

Board Member, Reconciliation WA

Kyra, a Guburn (Kupurn) woman with Noongar connections, has 20+ years’ experience in Indigenous engagement. As Worley’s First Nations Participation Director, she builds strong partnerships and guides culturally aligned energy transition. She has a Masters degree and was a Yes23 ambassador.

Emma Hewitt

Reconciliation and Special Projects Lead, City of Melville

Emma works with the City of Melville's First Nations team to support strong outcomes for community. She brings expertise in working with children and young people, underpinned by qualifications in Primary Teaching and Development Studies, including research on First Nations children’s rights.

Kelsee Kickett

First Nations Community Development Officer, City of Melville

Kelsee is a proud Whadjuk Ballardong Noongar yorga with connections to Yued and Wilman Country, and to Barkandji and Ngiyampaa heritage. As a First Nations Community Development Officer, Youth Advisory member and former Miss NAIDOC 2024, she empowers young First Nations people.

Cr. Brad Vitale

Councillor, Shire of Waroona

Brad Vitale JP is a community advocate and academic leading the Bindjareb Kaadadjan Mia project, supporting First Nations governance and culturally informed decision‑making. He is a PhD candidate, lecturer, and serves as a director on Aboriginal community organisations.

Chris Brooking

Senior Business Development Manager, Morrgul

Since joining Morrgul in 2019, Chris Brooking has supported Aboriginal businesses across regional WA. He mentors emerging and established entrepreneurs, helping them navigate procurement and secure sustainable contracts, backed by two decades of diverse business experience.

Jeremy Manning

Managing Director, Manno’s Machinery & Civil

Jeremy Manning, a proud Djaru and Kija man from the Kimberley, has 25+ years’ experience in civil construction, land management and workforce leadership. Known for hands‑on, trusted leadership, he delivers strong outcomes for community and industry.

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	Minister's Address: Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
9.30am	WALGA President's Address
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 and 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

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.

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