Albany 2026: The Mokare statue recognises the relationships and shared histories that helped to shape Albany

In the midst of Albany’s bicentenary commemorations, the statue of Mokare on York Street serves as a reminder that the region’s history stretches far beyond 200 years and includes stories of connection, leadership and cultural exchange.

The sculpture honours Mokare, a respected Menang Noongar man remembered for helping foster peaceful relationships between Noongar people and European settlers in the early years of Albany’s establishment.

Often referred to as “Jack” by Europeans at the time, Mokare became known as a peacemaker and mediator between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities during the late 1820s and early 1830s.

He formed close relationships with some of the first Europeans to settle in the region around 1827 and became a guide and interpreter for several expeditions, including those led by Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson.

Mokare and his brother were also known to have stayed with resident magistrate Alexander Collie.

During an expedition to the Porongurups in April 1831, Mokare acted as interpreter and guide.

He and his brother later became important sources of information for Mr Collie’s essay on the Aboriginal people of King George Sound, published in the Perth Gazette in 1834.

Mokare died in 1831 at the age of 31 but his influence remained significant in Albany’s history.

When Mr Collie was dying in 1835, he requested to be buried alongside Mokare, which was a reflection of the respect and friendship between the two men.

The Mokare statue was erected in 1997 as a reconciliation project led by members of the Albany community and funded by the Aboriginal Affairs Department and then-Town of Albany.

Created to recognise Mokare’s contribution to peaceful co-existence, the monument has become an important landmark in the city.

Over the years, however, the statue has unfortunately been the target of vandalism.

In September, 2007 and again during NAIDOC week in July 2012, the sculpture was covered in white paint.

Following the 2012 incident, Albany Aboriginal Corporation chair Lester Coyne said, “I think the people who did this have failed miserably to say the least, they won’t succeed in stopping progress in this country or in this town.”

Later in 2019, the statue’s setting was transformed as part of the major redevelopment of Alison Hartman Gardens.

Today, the sculpture sits at the centre of a circular paved space surrounded by artwork created by local Menang Noongar artists exploring local culture and Mokare’s legacy.

Noongar artist Donna Williams led a project to create the tiles featured on a nearby bench seating, while six adjacent artworks representing the Noongar seasons are found around the statue.

As Albany reflects on its bicentenary year, the statue continues to stand not only as a monument to one man but as recognition of the relationships and shared histories that helped shape the region.