Celebrate 2026 Albany
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Celebrate 2026 Albany
Creating an opportunity to connect with the past, to celebrate the present.
Creating the opportunity to connect with the past, to celebrate the present.
The Albany Historical Society (AHS) celebrates Albany 'Kinjarling', we recognise our community's diverse cultural heritage, our rich and unique history and the important role Albany played as the first British colonial and Aboriginal 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.
Onboard the brig Amity, Major Edmund Lockyer and passenger's arrived in King George Sound on the 25 December, disembarking the vessel on the 26 December 1826. On the 21 January 1827, Lockyer formally proclaimed the settlement for the British Crown. Thus making Kinjarling the first aboriginal and British colonial settlement of Western Australia.
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.
The Albany Bicentenary is an opportunity to celebrate the places, our community and the profound culture, diverse heritage and rich history. As part of Celebrate 2026 Albany, AHS is working on several projects to commemorate Western Australia's first bicentenary of the landing in 2026.
Culture & Country of Kinjarling
Albany and the region is the ancestral lands of the Menang Noongar people who have been the traditional custodians of the country for tens of thousands of years. The area is called Kinjarling by the traditional custodians, which means "the place of rain".
Noongar people believe their ancestors were here in the south west of Australia since Koora which means ‘long time ago’ and have maintained a cultural connection to south-western Australia 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, Hopetoun, Bremer Bay and Albany. Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar region refers to the Noongar dialect groups; Ganeang, Goreng and Minang/Menang.
There are many cultural and 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.
PIONEER PATHWAYS
BICENTENNIAL PROJECT
Honouring our founders and pioneers of Albany (Kinjarling) and their incredible contributions to the region and state of Western Australia. This informative walk through history will educate visitors, local community and the many school and youth groups that we welcome each year.
The
ALBANY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Ball
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
An opportunity to be a part of this once in two lifetimes' event. AHS are proud and honoured to host the Albany Bicentennial Grand Ball with elegance in the society's engagement of the century. With culture of the 19th century, celebrating past contributions and the community we have become.
ART GALLERY EXHIBITION
Albany Bicentenary art exhibition will display local artists and will featuring artwork from our collection including more than 60 never-seen before works and the story behind every masterpiece. With a collection of pencil sketches, commercial works, printing plates, photographic prints, postcards and oral history.
Bicentennial Project
DIORAMA PROJECT
For many years, the Albany Convict Gaol has had a diorama depicting Major Lockyer’s original settlement of what was then Frederickstown. This model has been seen by tens of thousands of people over the last 40 years and has provided them with an image of the first European settlement in Western Australia.
The Bicentenary Subcommittee identified the diorama as a worthy bicentennial project to add to the AHS Celebrate 2026 Albany bicentenary projects portfolio.
We have been very fortunate to have had the services of an incredibly talented artist (Matt) who has agreed to recreate the diorama in a new and more comprehensively detailed model.
The project will be ongoing over the next several months and will be completed in time for Celebrate 2026 Albany.
Bicentennial Badge
Available to purchase from the Albany Convict Gaol, Patrick Taylors Cottage Museum and AHS Office.
$10.00 each
Bicentennial Coin
Available to purchase from the Albany Convict Gaol, Patrick Taylors Cottage Museum and AHS Office.
$10.00 each
ALBANY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Two Hundred Years
By Andrew Eyden | AHS CEO
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.
