Hello Readers,

October has been a month of connection, celebration, and reflection. We’ve welcomed brilliant new team members, watched our Ambassadors travel from York to the Mid West, and are celebrating a decade of AACHWA’s transformative work.

This month also marks a significant milestone for Traditional Owners and the regional community of Pinjarra, as WA’s Governor Chris Dawson publicly acknowledged and apologised for the Pinjarra massacre that took place in October 1834. Mr Dawson’s apology acknowledges the truth of what happened on that day, reminding us that truth-telling does not end with recognition but continues in the work we do, the stories we share, and the connections we build across all our regional communities.

Visiting Rubibi / Broome

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Kimberley opening of the Regional Arts Triennial in beautiful Rubibi/Broome, one of 14 exhibitions happening across WA. The Hon Stephen Dawson officially opened the exhibition, setting the tone for what turned out to be a genuinely powerful celebration of regional creativity.

This year’s theme, Radical Futures, invites arts communities across WA to interpret their own vision. In Rubibi/Broome, the message “We Walk Together” strongly resonates through exceptional works from artists across the Kimberley.

A huge shoutout to the lead creatives behind the Triennial: Clancy McDowell, Fiona Sinclair, Sarah Roots, and local curators Dora Griffiths, Jesse Ward, Tracey Mulardy and Cathy Cummins.

This initiative is made possible by the collaboration of many organisations, including Regional Arts Network members, Southern Forest Arts and Kimberley Arts Network, ART ON THE MOVE, John Curtin Gallery, GalleriesWest and Regional Arts WA, with support from the State Government of Western Australia.

With the Hon Minister Stephen Dawson at the Regional Arts Triennial Exhibition in Rubibi/Broome

Celebrating AACHWA’s 10th Birthday

We’re thrilled to wish a very happy birthday to the Aboriginal Art Centre Hub WA (AACHWA). We are so proud of what the organisation has become since it was incubated by Country Arts (now Regional Arts WA) all those year ago! This year AACHWA celebrates a decade of supporting First Nations artists and art centres across Western Australia, strengthening cultural practices, and creating pathways for Indigenous creative expression. That’s no small feat.

We’ve spoken to some of the early founders of AACHWA and will be publishing an article that dives into the beginnings of the organisation, its milestones, and where it’s headed next. Watch this space.

Two of our RAWA staff members, Investment Coordinator, Carla Steele, and First Nations Officer, Janine Oxenham, are heading to Port Hedland this week for AACHWA’s ‘Our Business’ forum to talk all things funding.

Another Congrats

A big congratulations to Michelle Wright from Arts Margaret River (a Regional Arts Network member) for taking out the Local Legends Community Impact Award at last month’s Margaret River Business Awards. Arts Margaret River has long been the cultural heartbeat of the region, and their venue, the Nala Bardip Mia HEART, has provided essential infrastructure for connection, identity, and resilience.

Congrats to the whole Arts Margaret River team.

Image supplied by the Margaret River Business Network

Ambassadors Capturing Regional Stories

Our Regional Arts Ambassador Program continues to deliver the sort of images that make you want to jump away from your screen and go travelling! Lincoln Mackinnon, our inaugural Regional Arts Ambassador recently captured the York Festival and was able to pin down Lucky Oceans for an interview. Enormous thanks to the Regional Arts Network member Wheatbelt Arts & Events and the formidable Jo Bryant for making it all happen.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Raquel Aranda was in the Mid West documenting International Day of Rural Women and capturing images of some incredible female change-makers in more isolated areas.

The Ambassador Program is proudly supported by the WA State Government Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport and the Minderoo Foundation.

Image from Ambassador Raquel Aranda visiting powerful women artists in the Mid West

Welcome to the Team

Joining us this month are Annie McFie, our new Project Manager | Industry Development (previously CEO of the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce & Industry – we’re lucky to have her), and Melannie Lai, our new Communications Officer, who brings a background in illustration and shines in design.

Thrilled to have both as part of the team.

Natalie de Rozario who was our wonderful Comms Officer for two years isn’t going anywhere thankfully, just moving sideways into some important equity projects.

Now, if you’ve made it this far without nodding off (thank you), here are a couple of things worth pencilling into your diary:

Wavelengths, Southern Forest Arts’ latest arts-ability exhibition is running at the Painted Tree Gallery in Northcliffe through to November 23rd. This is their fourth such exhibition in nine years, and it’s a genuine testament to what happens when you commit to the long game. Nineteen artists living with complex needs from the South West and Great Southern regions have created works across various media, with 22 South West poets responding to add new layers of interpretation. 

The closing party on Sunday, November 23rd from 12pm – 2pm promises live poetry recitals and a dance performance from Candance Bunbury. Entry is free, lunch is included, but RSVPs are essential. Worth making the trip from wherever you are. Tickets here. 

And then there’s the Mid West Art Prize Gala Opening Night. This year RAWA is partnering with the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery (GRAG) to bring you the event on Saturday November 22nd at 6pm. This is the ninth year of this prestigious art show, with a $20,000 Acquisitive Prize plus six more award categories. 

The exhibition itself runs through to January 26th 2026, so you’ve got plenty of time to plan your visit if you can’t make opening night. But honestly? Opening night is where the magic happens. There’s just something about being surrounded by people who really want to be there. It’s buzzy, it’s vibrant, and the art somehow feels even more alive.

Tickets are available at bit.ly/MWAP25GALA.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We couldn’t do it without you.

Warmly,

Dr Pilar Kasat