Western Australia’s 2029 Bicentenary is an opportunity to reflect on our shared past, consider who we are today, and shape what this moment could mean for our future.
On June 17 2026, Premier Cook highlighted the government’s focus on the upcoming 2029 Bicentenary as an opportunity for all Western Australians to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our State’s vibrant diversity and look toward a future grounded in reconciliation and unity.
Although the state bicentenary commemorates 200 years since the establishment of the Swan River Settlement as a defining moment in Western Australia’s history, it’s not the beginning of our story.
Reconciliation WA, alongside Yirra Yaarkin and Community Arts Network WA, have been selected by the Department of Premier and Cabinet to form the Bicentenary Planning Advisory Group.
The group has been engaging with the broader Western Australian community across the state to receive input regarding the themes, priorities, approaches and planning efforts to make the 2029 commemoration more than a destination in time, but a moment to springboard into long-lasting impact.
In recent months, community engagements saw Reconciliation WA attending the Yule River Meeting south of Hedland and the Kimberley Land Council Annual General Meeting in Kununurra. A big heartfelt thank you to these beautiful communities for welcoming us and providing such deep insights and input.
Exploring what makes this beautiful state special to everyone, some of the feedback to date began talking about the beaches, diversity of landscape, our homegrown music and movies stars but then turned to the deeper reflections of the people, family, our shared history, a place to belong, the broad Aboriginal culture and heritage with dreams of a united, educated and a socially and economically confident state.
We have more engagements ahead and we’d love to hear from you as to what makes WA special and how can the Bicentenary be used to bring about unity and long-lasting legacy. Keep an eye out on our socials and if we don’t get the opportunity to chat with you please share your thoughts via the official WA 2029 Bicentenary Survey.
Learn more about the upcoming WA 2029 Bicentenary and the Premier’s objectives for 2029 here.
