Now More Than Ever

Celebrating Reconciliation Week 2024 at Yagan Square

In an inspiring showcase of unity and cultural appreciation, Reconciliation WA is joining forces with Karla Hart Productions and Yagan Square to present an enriching Reconciliation Week activation that we need Now More Than Ever. On Friday 31 May 2024, from 11.00am to 2.00pm an array of free authentic activities including guided cultural tours, market stalls, digital exhibits, walk-up-and-weave sessions, live performances, and a fire pit will run throughout Yagan Square’s William Street Mall, near the Digital Tower.

All activities are free to experience, and the event is open to all ages with no tickets required.

MARKETS: Now More than Ever brings to life vibrant local Indigenous market stalls in Yagan Square; offering an authentic array of art, crafts, apparel, jewellery, gifts, and traditional wellness products. From socks to scrunchies, and earrings to iced teas, the markets will showcase the diversity and richness of Aboriginal heritage.

TOURS: Learn about the storied history and significance of Yagan Square through a cultural tour led by esteemed Aboriginal guide Justin Martin. Justin’s tours are popular as they impart both cultural awareness and education. At Now More than Ever he will share cultural insights and stories about Yagan and Noongar family groups.
Tours will take place at 11.00am, 12.00pm and 1.00pm. No registrations required and tours are free. Meet near the Digital Tower 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

WEAVING: Join Sharyn Egan – a prominent Whadjuk Noongar artist from Perth known for her work in painting, sculpture, and weaving, for walk up and weave workshops. Sharyn will teach binding and wrapping techniques offering hands-on experience of an Indigenous tradition been passed down through generations. Walk up and weave at the dome in the middle of Yagan Square’s William Street Mall, near the Digital Tower. No bookings required.

ENTERTAINMENT: From 11.00am to 12.00pm enjoy the soulful melodies of Lily Gogos – an acoustic performer with gospel roots, then the folk/reggae sounds of singer-songwriter Nyirey Kickett from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

FIRE PIT: A fire pit will be in place for the event, near the tower, with beanbags and seating – representative of the communal nature of a fire pit in Indigenous tradition – to gather for ceremony, or to sit with Elders and listen to stories of the past. Fire has a spiritual connection for our Peoples and is used for rituals, purifying, healing and to communicate with ancestral spirits, so respectful behaviour only please.

DIGITAL TOWER: The Digital Tower will host a visually captivating exhibit, featuring significant pieces from local Indigenous film producers such as Karla Hart herself.

Volunteers from Reconciliation WA will be on hand at the three-hour event ready to converse and to sell merchandise.
Now More Than Ever is a call to action for all community members to engage actively in Reconciliation Week, learn about the heritage of Indigenous Australians, and take steps towards fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

Everyone is invited to this unique one-day event, uniting to honour and celebrate Indigenous traditions and foster a deeper cultural appreciation, and spark ongoing conversations and actions towards reconciliation in our community.

There are multiple options for lunch and refreshments with nine new bars and five new restaurants now open at Yagan Square with the new multi-level, super-venue Stories in full swing! Stories joins other eateries The Shoe, Gangnam Korean BBQ, Hiss and Smoke Japanese, and Street Eats Eatery.

NOW MORE THAN EVER event details:

Date: Friday, 31 May 2024
Location: Yagan Square, William Street Mall (near the Digital Tower), Perth
Details: Free Indigenous activities including guided cultural tours, market stalls, digital exhibits, walk-up-and-weave sessions, live performances, and fire pit.
Attendance: Free and open to the public
Event Timings: 11.00am to 2.00pm
11.00am Tour #1, Markets Open, Lily Gogos set
12.00pm Tour #2, Nyirey Kickett set
1.00pm Tour #3, Digital Tower presentation
2.00pm Finish

Contact: For further details, visit the Yagan Square website at [www.yagansquare.com.au] or follow socials for updates @yagansquare.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/424241016916374