Around 25,000 community members and visitors gathered in Anzac Peace Park on New Year’s Eve for Kaya 2026; a powerful celebration that welcomed the new year and officially launched Albany 2026, Western Australia’s first bicentenary.
The free, family-friendly event transformed the waterfront into a place of music, storytelling and connection, setting the tone for a year of reflection, recognition and shared celebration.
The evening opened with performances by First Nations artists Boox Kid and Maatakitj, ahead of the 7pm family concert which brought together an extraordinary showcase of local and visiting talent. A moving Welcome to Country delivered by eight Noongar Elders grounded the evening in First Nations culture, followed by a compelling program of live music, dance and cinematic storytelling.
Audiences were treated to performances from acclaimed Noongar artist Gina Williams, local favourites Flood the Moon, Dal Jones, and the Breaksea Community Choir and Youth Ensemble, accompanied by immersive visuals, line dancing and original cinematography celebrating Albany’s landscapes and culturally significant sites.
One of the night’s most memorable moments was Kinjarling, a newly commissioned work by Gina Williams and the late Guy Ghouse created especially for Albany 2026. The powerful piece was performed and captured on film by more than 2,400 students from 14 schools across Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker, highlighting the next generation’s role in carrying local stories forward.
As the evening continued, the energy soared with performances from Flood the Moon, Kayps (an Indigenous Walmatjarri and Bunuba artist), and DJ Tim Preston, whilst fireworks lit up the sky at both 9pm and midnight. Food vendors, circus workshops and illuminated roving entertainment ensured the park remained alive with activity throughout the night.
Kaya 2026 was delivered by City of Albany, with the stage program presented by multi-arts organisation Breaksea. The event was supported by Lotterywest and assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
Kaya 2026 marked the beginning of a significant year for Albany, one that honours the past by centring Menang Noongar voices, showcases our diverse multicultural community and looks ahead to a shared future through Albany 2026.
