Ballardong First returns to York this January as a free, community-led celebration of Ballardong Noongar culture, presented by Wheatbelt Arts & Events Inc. in partnership with the Ballardong Noongar community. Held over the Australia Day long weekend, the three-day program brings together Elders, artists, families and visitors for artmaking, music, storytelling, workshops and truth-telling — offering meaningful opportunities for connection, learning and reconciliation.

The program unfolds across three days. Saturday 24 January focuses on arts and craft workshops, including traditional and contemporary practices, plus a youth lyric and songwriting workshop with Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee. Sunday 25 January features family workshops, a film screening, and the much-loved Ballardong Picnic by the River in Avon Park — a relaxed, family-friendly evening of cultural performances, music, storytelling and food, with bush food tastings by Zach Green and stalls from Aboriginal businesses. Monday 26 January is dedicated to truth-telling and reflection, with talks and yarning circles led by respected local speakers.

The weekend also marks the opening of Mooley the Cow & Other Ballardong Yarns, a new community-created exhibition exploring Ballardong Noongar life in 1860s York through mixed-media works. Ballardong First is free to attend, with some workshops ticketed. All venues are accessible, and everyone is warmly invited to take part.