- Professor Colleen Hayward AM appointed chair and Hon Brendon Grylls AM appointed deputy chair of new 2029 Committee
- Committee to provide independent, strategic oversight of the State-wide program
- Appointments mark the next phase of creating a meaningful Bicentenary in 2029 and beyond
Professor Colleen Hayward AM and Hon Brendon Grylls AM will lead a new committee to help guide the next phase of program design and delivery for Western Australia’s Bicentenary in 2029.
In 2029, Western Australia will mark 200 years since the establishment of the Swan River Colony, a significant milestone in the State’s history but not the beginning of its story. As part of the government’s planning for the Bicentenary, a State-wide consultation process is currently underway to help inform the Bicentenary’s themes, priorities and program.
These appointments mark an important milestone as Bicentenary planning progresses from consultation into program design and delivery.
The 2029 Committee will provide strategic advice and recommendations to government on priorities, opportunities and risks, and will help shape a co-ordinated, inclusive and culturally respectful program that reflects WA’s diverse histories, experiences and aspirations.
Professor Hayward is a respected Noongar leader, educator and advocate. As committee chair, her extensive experience and well-established networks position her strongly to engage with stakeholders and provide independent advice to inform the government’s approach towards, and during 2029.
Mr Grylls will be deputy chair. He brings extensive experience in government, regional development, strategic program oversight and stakeholder engagement, including as a former Western Australian Regional Development Minister.
Further Committee members will be announced at a later date.
The 2029 Committee will take forward the important work of the Bicentenary Planning Advisory Group (BPAG), which has guided the project through its establishment and consultation phases.
Under BPAG’s leadership, important foundations have been established, including project objectives, stakeholder engagement activities and State-wide community consultation.
BPAG will continue to provide advice through the consultation phase before concluding its work at the end of 2026.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“As we continue planning for Western Australia’s Bicentenary in 2029, it is important that we have independent oversight and expertise to help guide the next phases of program design and delivery.
“The appointment of Professor Hayward and Mr Grylls will help ensure the 2029 program reflects the diversity of perspectives, histories and aspirations that make our State unique.
“The Committee will play a crucial role in providing independent advice to government on program priorities and opportunities that deliver lasting benefits for Western Australians.
“I also thank BPAG members for their valuable advice, time and commitment in helping establish strong foundations for the next phase of work.”
As stated by 2029 Committee chair Professor Colleen Hayward AM:
“The Bicentenary provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past, continue to strengthen the present and to build a future where we all feel connected to this place and to each other – able to share in the unique richness that is Western Australia, honouring those who’ve come before us, reflecting on who we are now and visioning what we want our great State to be for future generations.
“Western Australia’s foundations are more than 60,000 years old and each generation, each culture, each country of origin who have become part of this broader community can be proud of where we are as well as where we have yet to journey.
“I recognise and thank the Premier for his vision, deputy chair Brendon Grylls AM for the strategic thinking I know he will bring to this process, the BPAG for their work to date and all those who will play a part in joining us towards 2029 and beyond.”
As stated by 2029 Committee deputy chair Hon. Brendon Grylls AM:
“The Bicentenary is an opportunity to reflect on the people, places and events that have shaped Western Australia, while looking ahead to the kind of State we want for future generations.
“I look forward to working with Professor Hayward AM and the 2029 Committee to deliver a Bicentenary commemoration that reflects the best of our great State and strengthens connections across our communities.
“It’s an honour to be asked by the Premier to contribute to this important milestone and help ensure that all Western Australians feel a genuine sense of belonging and part of the commemorations, no matter where they live or whether their connection to this land stretches back tens of thousands of years, or just one.”
