Former Australian Idol winner and proud Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti woman Casey Donovan will headline Reconciliation Day celebrations in Canberra. Photo: Casey Donavan Facebook.
ARIA Award-winning artist and Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti woman Casey Donovan has been named the headlining performer for the ACT’s Reconciliation Day celebrations at Dunmore Lang Place in the National Triangle.
The free celebrations will take place on Monday, 1 June, between 10 am and 3 pm as part of the observed Reconciliation Day public holiday.
Donovan’s performance will be part of a program of live music, dance, storytelling and cultural activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The program also includes performances from Tahalianna Soward-Maganga, Wiradjuri Echoes and Liam Keenan.
Donovan said she was excited to perform as part of the event and join the Canberra community in sharing First Nations stories and culture.
“Music has a powerful way of bringing people together, and I hope this year’s event encourages people to embrace the spirit of ‘All In’ by continuing to listen, learn and walk together on the journey of reconciliation,” she said.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Suzanne Orr said the 2026 celebration would invite Canberrans to embrace the spirit of this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘’All In”.
“Reconciliation calls on all of us to listen, learn and commit to building a future grounded in respect and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Orr said.
“Reconciliation Day is a time for the Canberra community to come together, learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and strengthen our shared commitment to reconciliation.
“This year’s theme, ‘All In’, reminds us that we all have a role to play in reconciliation. Reconciliation Day provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we can each contribute to a more inclusive, respectful and united ACT.”
Ms Orr said she was honoured to welcome Donovan as the headline act for the ACT’s 2026 Reconciliation Day celebration.
“Casey’s powerful voice and strong connection to culture will create a meaningful and memorable moment for our community, while we exercise our commitment to celebrate and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and voices,” she said.
The event will start with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
To support this event and remove barriers to broader reconciliation, the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has announced that using fire for cultural purposes no longer requires a permit in the Territory.
For more information, including the full program, visit the ACT Government’s website.
