Building on the success of last year’s Deadly Sista Girlz feature in the Wangening Bardip Exhibition, the Waalitj Foundation returns to Central Park this NAIDOC Week with Deadly Sista Girlz, Bardip Koorliny (Stories Moving Through Time), a powerful showcase of identity, resilience and community. The exhibition brings together emerging artists, alumni and established First Nations creatives connected to the Deadly Sista Girlz program.
In partnership with HIF, Deadly Sista Girlz students, staff and alumni were invited to submit artworks for the opportunity to be featured in this year’s exhibition. More than 80 artworks were selected and will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists.
Over 40 students from across Western Australia and Victoria contributed more than 50 pieces, giving our judging panel a tough job picking one piece to be crowned the Judges’ Choice. After careful deliberation, the judging panel – HIF People Experience Coordinator Kirsten McManus, artist and Waalitj Foundation Administration Assistant Natalie McKeon, and Waalitj Foundation General Manager of Education Strategy Carly Davis – awarded the 2026 Judges’ Choice Award to Portia Hart from Yule Brook College.
Now in its third year, Central Park general manager Tim Ward said the partnership with Waalitj had become a meaningful part of the precinct’s NAIDOC Week program.
“This marks the third year of our partnership with Waalitj Foundation to celebrate NAIDOC Week in the heart of Perth, and each year we are reminded of the power of art to stop people in their tracks,” he said.
“These are some of the most moving works of First Nations art, carrying stories of culture, identity, strength and connection. We are proud to provide a platform where these young artists, alumni and established artists can be seen, celebrated and appreciated by the wider community.”
Alaska Headland-Cash, one of the students with artwork featured in the exhibition, said it’s been a great opportunity for her to expand her painting skills and share her art.
“What makes this exhibition stand out for me is that it’s created especially for young, upcoming artists. It gives people like me a real space to showcase my artwork,” she said.
“Being part of this exhibition means a lot because it lets me express my life through paintings and show that to people. This experience pushes me to keep painting, to explore new ideas, and to grow my future as an artist.”
Deadly Sista Girlz Program Manager, Anita Shipley, said the exhibition centres young women’s stories. “Art has always been a way for our young women to share who they are and where they come from. What makes this exhibition so special is that it puts our girls’ stories at the forefront,” she said.
“Every artwork reflects a moment of growth, identity and pride, and seeing those stories displayed alongside established artists shows our young women that their culture and creativity are valued. It’s not just about mentoring; it’s about creating opportunities for our girls to be seen, celebrated and confident in who they are.”
Well done to all the Deadly Sista Girlz who entered this year’s exhibition, and a big congratulations to our Judges’ Choice Winner, Portia Hart! Her winning piece, along with all student submissions, can be viewed online here, and enquiries for purchase are welcome here.
You can also view the DSG staff and alumni artists exhibiting, including established artists Jacinta Anderson (Deadly Sista Girlz staff member), Erika Fernandez (Deadly Sista Girlz alumni), and Georgia King (former Deadly Sista Girlz staff member) here.
A big thank you to HIF for partnering with us once again to make this exhibition possible.
Speaking on the Deadly Sista Girlz and HIF partnership, Hannah Swainston, People Experience Lead, said, “HIF is honoured to again partner with our friends at the Waalitj Foundation as a sponsor of the 2026 Deadly Sista Girlz Wangening Bardip (Healing Stories) Exhibition during NAIDOC Week. This event gives First Nations people a powerful platform to share their stories, creativity and perspectives with the wider community.
We proudly display several beautiful pieces from last year’s exhibition in our office, and we’re excited to see more of the girls’ incredible creations this year. As a WA-based not-for-profit health fund, we’re proud to support opportunities that celebrate culture, connection and talent within our communities.”
Make sure you head to the Deadly Sista Girlz Art Exhibition this NAIDOC Week to see all the incredible artworks. We will be running a People’s Choice Vote throughout the week, so make sure you get involved and vote on your favourite piece! Running Monday to Friday from the 3rd of July to the 10th of July at Central Park Tower in the Ground Floor Lobby.
Explore the exhibition online!
Browse the full collection of artworks featured in this year’s NAIDOC Week showcase.
Purchasing details are listed under each artist.
