Ballardong First to celebrate culture, creativity and connection in York
The community-led celebration of Ballardong Noongar culture, Ballardong First, is set to return to York this Australia Day long weekend, running from Saturday, January 24, to Monday, January 26.
The three-day program, presented by Wheatbelt Arts & Events Inc. in partnership with the Ballardong Noongar community, will bring together Elders, artists, cultural practitioners, families and visitors for artmaking, music, storytelling, workshops and truth-telling practices.
The gathering, now in its third year of operation, aims to offer reconciliation in action, inviting the WA community to connect, learn and engage in culture.
On Saturday, activities will include arts and crafts workshops, including traditional making and contemporary creative practice. The Mooley the Cow & Other Ballardong Yarns exhibition, which reimagines Janet Millett’s An Australian Parsonage, will also present a compassionate, community-led view of Ballardong Noongar life in 1860s York to attendees.
Saturday’s events will also include a youth lyric and songwriting workshop with acclaimed Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee and a live cooking demonstration by renowned Indigenous chef Zach Green, known as ‘The Storyteller Chef’, allowing attendees to learn about native ingredients, traditional techniques and the stories that shape each dish, with food tastings.
On Sunday, attendees can enjoy morning workshops, a film screening of Journey Home, David Gulpilil, and in the evening the popular Ballardong Picnic by the River. Attendees can also enjoy performances from Coroboree for Life, Natasha Eldridge with Kim Batty, and a special performance by Zero EmCee, joined by young people who have taken part in the Ballardong First youth workshops.
On the evening, Zach Green will also be on site creating bush food tastings, while Jeert Mia Aboriginal Corporation will bring their popular bushtucker food van, alongside a small curated market featuring products from Aboriginal businesses.
On Monday, January 26, a series of talks and yarning circles dedicated to truth-telling and reflection will be led by respected speakers including Janet Osborne, Ann Hawke, Tracey Kickett and Dennis Kickett, allowing attendees to listen, learn and engage with local histories and lived experiences.
Reconciliation WA’s CEO Jody Nunn will further return to the event to support the important gathering of reflection, respect and celebration.
Ballardong First is free to attend, with some workshops ticketed. Venues are all accessible, and guests are invited to bring a picnic blanket or chairs.
Ballardong First returns to York from Saturday, January 24, to Monday, January 26, 2026. For more info and tickets, visit yorkfestival.com.au
