Governor’s Pinjarra Apology
OVERVIEW
On 28 October 2025, a historic and deeply meaningful moment took place at Pinjarra Memorial Park, as Governor Chris Dawson formally apologised for the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre — the first time such an acknowledgment has been made by a sitting Governor of Western Australia.
Held on Bindjareb Noongar Country, the ceremony brought together Elders, community members, and Government House representatives to recognise the past, honour lives lost, and take a step forward toward healing and reconciliation.
OBJECTIVE & CHALLENGE
Our role was to support Government House in delivering a respectful and seamless event that honoured the cultural, emotional, and historical weight of the occasion.
With only six weeks of planning and the profound cultural significance of the ceremony, sensitive coordination was crucial. Every operational decision — from layout to logistics — needed to uphold the dignity of the moment and ensure a calm, respectful experience for all attendees.
Photography credit to @socostudios_
INNOVATION & IMPLEMENTATION
Each year on 28 October, a minute of silence is held at 10:10am — the time the violence concluded in 1834. This year, the ceremony extended beyond tradition, with Governor Chris Dawson invited by Bindjareb Elders to join on Country and issue a formal apology for the actions of then-Governor James Stirling and his party.
As a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and shared commitment to healing, the Governor gifted the Elders a sapling from the olive tree originally planted by Stirling at Government House, and in return received a Jarrah sapling to be planted in the Government House gardens.
To ensure a meaningful and culturally grounded event, we met on-site with Government House and Bindjareb Elders ahead of the ceremony, respecting the land and the gravity of the occasion. Our team then coordinated all on-site suppliers including waste management, amenities, AV, catering, furniture, medical support, and traffic management — quietly managing logistics so the focus remained on the ceremony and its purpose.
RESULTS & SUCCESS
The Governor’s Pinjarra Apology marked a significant milestone for Western Australia — a formal recognition of the past that honoured truth-telling, respect, and cultural healing.
The event was delivered with care, sensitivity, and dignity, supporting a powerful and emotional moment for community and country.
This ceremony will stand as a meaningful step in acknowledging history and strengthening the path toward reconciliation.