16 September 2026
South Metropolitan TAFE was proud to commemorate NAIDOC Week 2026 with an event at our Fremantle campus last week.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme was 50 Years of Deadly, honouring the strength, resilience, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the last five decades through the NAIDOC movement. The NAIDOC posters from each of the 50 years were on display in the campus courtyard, highlighting the rich and significant history that celebrations have had over the years.
Over 70 guests came together including staff, students, and industry partners, gathering for a three-hour ceremony recognising Aboriginal culture, history, and achievements.
South Metropolitan TAFE staff member Lyndall Ford was our MC for the event. Lyndall is a Wongi/Noongar Yorga and a Client Engagement Officer at our Fremantle Jobs and Skills Centre, working as part of the Enhanced Aboriginal Engagement Team.
To begin the event, Auntie Freda led a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
The audience then heard from Frank Mitchell, who was our guest speaker. Frank is a proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man, who was named Australia’s Local Hero 2026 at the Australian of the Year awards, for his work creating jobs for fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Frank is co-director of Wilco Electrical and co-founder/director, of Kardan, Baldja and Bilyaa in the trades and construction industry.
Frank shared that his commitment to change was shaped by challenges early in life. He recalled being offered an electrical apprenticeship as a young single father, which felt like a profound opportunity. When he then took on ownership of the business in 2015, he pledged to create the same opportunities for others.
To follow, guests heard from our Managing Director, Darshi Ganeson. Koort-Dookan Karoorook Moort then took centre stage with an Aboriginal group dance performance, representing culture and storytelling.
Whadjuk artist Amanda Hart also led the creation of a shared community artwork, celebrating connection and community.
With the event taking place on R U OK? Day, the importance of staying connected was highlighted, with Headspace attending to raise awareness of mental health.
Thanks to Moorditj Yorga Catering for the bush-tucker inspired lunch at our event. Our appreciation also extends to all stallholders that joined us, including Inner Bean Coffee, Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health (FISH), Marakool Art, Nyoongah Bush Medicine, Jalbi and Buy Brenda.
NAIDOC Week was recognised nationally from 5 - 12 July 2026, which is during a student and lecturer break at South Metropolitan TAFE. As such, we hold our celebrations later in the year, providing an opportunity for our staff and students to take part.
Auntie Freda led the Welcome to Country.
Frank Mitchell was our guest speaker.
South Metropolitan TAFE Managing Director Darshi Ganeson speaking at the event.
Koort-Dookan Karoorook Moort during the dance performance.
Frank Mitchell with Event Organiser Jeannie, and Senior Client Engagement Officer Aboriginal Services, Alicia.
NAIDOC posters featuring artwork from the 1970s to today.
Totem pole art sculpture ‘For Our Elders’ by artist Levi Islam (right), alongside the posters.
Artist Levi Islam with the commemorative plaque for his artwork.
Whadjuk artist Amanda Hart leading the community artwork mural.
Mel from Marakool Art displays her artwork.
Our NAIDOC event was held at Fremantle campus.