First Australians

The Noongar/Bibbulmun people are the Traditional Owners of the South West of Western Australia. The City of South Perth is located on Whadjak Noongar Country and we acknowledge the continuing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land.

For a number of years, the City has been working with local Aboriginal people and the community to build relationships, trust and understanding on our journey of reconciliation.

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The City celebrates NAIDOC Week in July each year, by partnering with community organisations and local Noongar community members to host a series of events. Visit the Events section of the website to find out more.

Be Brave. Make Change. National Reconciliation Week

Library 26 May 2022

First Nations

National Reconciliation Week takes place from 27 May to 3 June and provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and achievements.

Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2022 is “Be Brave. Make Change.” It is a challenge to all Australians to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

The South Perth area is the country of Beelo Noongar people, or river people. Important grounds for camping and fishing are located along the foreshore. The people here were known as Gareen and their place was Gareenup.

In celebration of Reconciliation Week, City of South Perth Libraries will be hosting free events, pop-up activations and book displays featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and illustrators.

Musicians In-Residence

Local Indigenous acoustic duo Mad Dash will showcase their creative process and music at South Perth and Manning libraries. Come along and listen to Mad Dash create contemporary Noongar nursery rhymes.

The duo including Ashonique Coffin and Dan Chandler will be happy to chat, answer questions or explain their process for creating Noongar nursery rhymes. Don't miss your chance to watch musicians create new music and discuss aspects of their music and creative process.

Mad Dash will be spending time at both library branches:

South Perth Library

Friday 27 May 9.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 28 May 10am-4pm
Monday 30 May 9.30am-5.30pm

Manning Library

Tuesday 31 May 9.30am-5.30pm
Wednesday 1 June 9.30am-7pm
Thursday 2 June 9.30am-5.30pm

Words with Wine: Bill and Jenny Bunbury

Join Bill and Jenny Bunbury as they speak about their book Many Maps, Charting Two Cultures and oral history research in regional and rural WA at this special Reconciliation Week event.

6.30-8pm, Wednesday 1 June 2022

South Perth Library

Free, book online here.

National Reconciliation Week banners are on display along Mill Point Road and Manning Road.

To learn more about National Reconciliation Week, visit the Reconciliation Australia website.