Celebrating 200 Years of Heritage, Culture and Community
Honouring and celebrating our community and the people who contributed to the first settlement of Western Australia
The Albany Historical Society celebrates Albany/Kinjarling, we recognise our community's diverse cultural heritage, our rich and unique history and the important role Albany/Kinjarling played as the first European settlement of Western Australia. We respect and recognise the connection to country of the Menang Noognar people and the importance Kinjarling holds in their culture and in their day to day lives.​
​
Through its development and influential figures, cultural links, resilience, years of hardship, triumph, perseverance and determination, we pay respect to all ancestors and celebrate who we have become.
​​​
Celebrate 2026 Bicentenary is an opportunity to celebrate the places, our community and the profound culture, diverse heritage and rich history. As part of Celebrate 2026, AHS is working on several projects to commemorate Western Australia's first bicentenary.
Menang People
Traditional Custodians of Kinjarling "Albany"
The area is called Kinjarling by the traditional custodians, which means "the place of rain". The Minang/Menang Noongar people's ancestors were in the south west of Australia since 'Koora' which means ‘long time ago’ and have maintained a cultural connection to the country for at least 45,000 years.
The region is known as the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar region which includes the towns of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Walpole, Denmark, Mt Barker, Cranbrook, Tambellup, Katanning, Nyabing, Jerramungup, Ravensthorpe, Hopetown, Bremer Bay and Albany. Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar region refers to the Noongar dialect groups; Minang/Menang, Ganeang and Goreng.
There are many culturally significant sites, one being the Stirling Range known as 'Koi Kyeunu-ruff' - place of ever-moving about mist and fog and Middleton Beach is 'Binalup', meaning 'morning light.
Celebrate 2026
Bicentenary Program
Be A Part Of The Story
Celebrate 2026: A Journey to 200 Years
The Albany Historical Society Writing Competition offers a wonderful opportunity for adults aged 18 and over to share their story, particularly those related to Albany's rich history.
​
Participating in the Albany Historical Society Writing Competition provides you with the perfect platform to share that story. Not only will your work be celebrated on the Celebrate 2026: A Journey to 200 Years website, but it will also become part of living history, helping to shape how future generations understand and appreciate our community's past.
​
Make your story a part of what makes Albany/Kinjarling truly remarkable.​
Fredericktown Diorama
Bicentenary Project Update
For many years, the Albany Convict Gaol has had a diorama depicting Major Lockyer’s original settlement of what was then Fredericktown. This model has been seen by tens of thousands of people over the last 40 years and has provided our visitors with an image of the first European settlement in Western Australia.
​
Our Bicentenary Subcommittee identified the diorama as a worthy bicentennial project to add to the AHS Celebrate 2026 Bicentenary projects portfolio.
​
We have been very fortunate to have had the services of an incredibly talented artist, Matt who has been working to recreate the diorama in a new and more comprehensively detailed model. The project will be ongoing over 2025 and will be completed in time for Celebrate 2026.
Register Your Interest
Get involved in the Celebrate 2026 Bicentenary
As we approach the exciting milestone of Western Australia’s first bicentenary in 2026, we invite you to be part of the celebrations!
Whether you're passionate about volunteering, own a local business, or provide a service that could help bring this historic event to life, there's a place for you to contribute.
​
Join us in making this Bicentenary a memorable and meaningful experience for all. You can volunteer your time to help with the event's many programs, or if you’re a local business, vendor, or service provider, we welcome your support and invite you to register your interest and be added to the vendors list, to be contacted when we require a quote to help us deliver the spectacular program of events.
Two Hundred Years
Two Centuries in Time
Two hundred years, this place we see, a place of beauty be.
Two hundred years, that we see, her mountains from her majestic sea.
Two hundred years, did we but toil, upon her sand and earthly soil.
Two hundred years, was she not, the port of mariners, settlers of every lot.
Two hundred years, her islands be, her shining ramparts on her sea.
Two hundred years, she to be, our shining beacon fronted by sea.
Two hundred years, was she not, the place to rest our weary lot.
Two hundred years, she could not be, by the Powers, that would not see!
Two hundred years, and more she be, home to ANZAC legends who be.
Two hundred years, this State you see, owes her more than can be.
Two hundred years, to be seen, now she rises our stunning Queen.
Two hundred years, and more she be, a blessed home to thee.
Two hundred years, of her history be, a sense of place unto thee.
Two hundred years, did she but be, the place this all began, for you and me.
Two hundred years, of time it be, but only to the nonnative we.
Two hundred years, and thousands be, that she stands shining bright ever to be.
Andrew Eyden, CEO
Albany Historical Society
"Albany/Kinjarling’s 200th anniversary is not only a moment to reflect, but to celebrate our rich history and diverse culture, it is an opportunity to honour the individuals who helped build our beautiful city and a celebration of a legacy that has shaped our community. It is an exciting moment in time, as we pay our respect, honour all ancestors and celebrate who we have become."
- Albany Historical Society
Celebrate 2026 Bicentenary Committee