As the first European permanent settlement in Western Australia (1826), Albany is uniquely placed to commemorate WA’s first bicentenary. However, along with this achievement comes a responsibility to mark this milestone appropriately with the whole community - First Nations and settlers - in mind.

Planning began in earnest in 2021 with the stated aim of ‘Menang First’. With full collaboration involving the Menang-Noongar community, a year-long program of events was planned and funded by the community and other agencies to reflect this aim.

With half the year gone, is it a success? How can this be judged? And can Albany set the tone for the 2029 events that will mark the bicentenary of the colony (then state) of Western Australia?

All these points will be canvassed in this presentation which will bring the audience up to date on the success or otherwise of Albany 2026.

Malcolm Traill is a prominent Albany public historian who has combined writing, recording, teaching and presenting Albany history in an informal yet instructive way over the past three decades.

He brings a dual perspective to this topic as a historian, and also as Chair of the City of Albany 2026 Reference Group and Ambassador for the Albany 2026 program.

He has recently released a book - South – and has co-edited the latest issue of Studies in WA History entitled A Gift of Truth-Telling: notes on the bicentenary of Albany. He is also a PhD candidate at UWA tackling the umbrella topic of Settler Histories of Albany.

Photo Credit: Jenny Feast Photography

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