Continuing the celebration beyond NAIDOC Week, the event embraced the 2026 theme, 50 Years Deadly. The theme marks five decades of honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, culture, strength and community leadership.
Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) CEO Steve Sonneman-Smith and Tjiwarl CEO Greg Ryan-Gadsden helped lead the celebration. AAC Director Ingrid Carey also made the journey from Tom Price to join the Perth community for the occasion.
The day began with a Welcome to Country by Neil Coyne from Midn Marr Dreaming. Rob Barton from Tjiwarl guided guests through the event as MC before inviting Greg to officially open the celebration.
Steve and Greg spoke about the purpose of the gathering, acknowledged those in attendance and thanked the City of Belmont for its valued support and funding.
Guests then enjoyed Tjiwarl’s cultural awareness video and a didgeridoo performance by Midn Marr Dreaming. The relaxed program left plenty of time for people to connect, yarn and contribute to the Yarning Wall.
Food was another highlight of the day. Sausages produced from cattle raised at AAC’s Karbar Station were served alongside bush tucker-inspired dishes and an impressive selection of desserts infused with native bush flavours.
A merchandise table gave participating organisations an opportunity to share items with guests. Attendees also received a joint AAC and Tjiwarl gift bag as a special reminder of the celebration.
The response from guests was overwhelmingly positive. Many spoke highly of the cultural sharing, bush tucker-inspired menu and genuine opportunity to build connections in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Steve closed the official proceedings by thanking everyone for attending and encouraging guests to stay, enjoy more food and continue connecting.
AAC sincerely thanks Tjiwarl for partnering with us to deliver this special event, the City of Belmont for its valued financial support, and the AAC and Tjiwarl staff who worked behind the scenes to make the day welcoming, memorable and successful.
Most importantly, thank you to every community member, business, partner and supporter who joined us. Together, you helped make AAC and Tjiwarl’s first Perth NAIDOC Community Event a deadly day of culture, connection and community.
