Our Past . Our Story . Our Albany
WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S FIRST BICENTENARY
Celebrating 200 Years
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.
In December 2026, Albany reaches a remarkable milestone — 200 years since the arrival of the HM Brig Amity. This bicentenary marks the beginning of Western Australia’s first European settlement, with commemorations continuing into 2027 to reflect the official Proclamation of the settlement on 21 January 1827.
The Albany Historical Society is proud to recognise this extraordinary moment, 200 years in the making. Across two centuries, Albany has grown, evolved and shaped a rich and meaningful legacy. This Bicentenary is more than a historical milestone; it is a vibrant celebration of our heritage, culture and community. Through exhibitions, events and storytelling, we look forward to sharing Albany’s (Kinjarling) story honouring our past while inspiring future generations.
We respectfully acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of this region and the deep, enduring connection of the Menang Noongar people to this land. We honour their relationship with Country and recognise the importance of Kinjarling in their history and culture.
The story begins with the Menang People — the Traditional Custodians of Kinjarling.
Albany, known to the Menang people as Kinjarling – “the place of rain”, lies within the traditional lands of the Menang Noongar people. The Menang people are the Traditional Custodians of this region and have maintained a deep connection to Country for countless generations.
Their culture, language and knowledge are woven into the landscape from the coastline to the hinterlands and beyond. We recognise that our shared history began long before European settlement. The strength, resilience and wisdom of the Menang people continue to shape the identity and future of our community today. We honour their enduring spiritual and cultural connection to Kinjarling and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Sculpture at Binalup: A Lasting Legacy of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary.
As part of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary, the 16 contemporary works presented at the Sculpture at Binalup will find their permanent home at Duke Street following the exhibition from 10-19 April 2026 at Binalup / Middleton Beach.
Developed by local artist Mae Elliott in collaboration with Menang Noongar leaders, artists and community members, the sculptures reflect the Bicentenary themes of past, present and future, grounded in truth-telling and connection to Country. The project includes a school outreach program led by respected Menang elder Aunty Carol Pettersen OAM JP, inviting young people to engage with Menang-led installations.
The Albany Historical Society is incredibly proud to provide a permanent home for these significant sculptures and are honoured to support this important Bicentenary legacy and ensure the artworks remain accessible to the community for generations to come.
Bicentenary Events & Projects
ALBANY BICENTENARY GALA
Honouring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future.
21 January 2027
7:00pm - 12:00 midnight
Robert Dale’s Panoramic View of King George Sound – On Display at the Albany Convict Gaol.
As part of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary, the Albany Convict Gaol has displayed a enlarged reproduction of Robert Dale’s iconic “Panoramic View of King George’s Sound”. Ensign (later Lieutenant) Robert Dale created this remarkable panorama during his time at King George Sound in 1832. While Dale’s original work captured the landscape in intricate detail, it was Robert Havell Jr., a London engraver, who published the complete eight panel panorama in October 1834. Hand coloured and meticulously detailed, the panorama reveals a sweeping view from the summit of Mount Clarence, offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in Albany during the 1830s.
Visitors can explore the detailed diorama of the early settlement, providing a complimentary and vivid window into Albany’s past, the traditional custodians, the Menang people and its place in Western Australia’s early history.