National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The start and end dates of NRW are the same every year to commemorate two significant milestones in our history – the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
The theme Now More Than Ever, called on Australians to reconnect and recommit to bolder action off the back of the disappointing 2023 referendum result. In schools, communities and workplaces across the nation, supporters of the reconciliation movement took up the call and agreed that, now more than ever, the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, recognition and justice must continue, and any advancement must be protected.
Hundreds of events took place across Australia, in so many different forms – performances, film screenings, meals for any time of day, seminars and in-conversations, ceremonies and sporting rounds. These photos represent a small snapshot.
Choirs up and down the country came together again this year to be part of Voices for Reconciliation: Louder than Ever to express their continuing support for reconciliation by belting out the Warumpi Band’s iconic Blackfella/Whitefella.
Reconciliation in Action
Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation Victoria staff were among the thousands at Yarra Park marking 20 years since AFL legend Michael Long’s historic Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra. On their way to watch the Dreamtime at the G match, attendees dropped in to chat with the team, recorded their commitments to reconciliation and joined in the fun by building their dream team of First Nations footy stars. Photo: Reconciliation Australia
A staggering 2,800 supporters attended Reconciliation South Australia’s annual National Reconciliation Week breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Actor Luke Carroll hosted the event and rapper Briggs was the keynote speaker. Photo: Samuel Graves
Thousands turned up to Commonwealth Park to celebrate ACT Reconciliation Day – the only such public holiday in any state or territory. Visitors to the Reconciliation Australia stall marked their personal commitments to reconciliation. Photo: Reconciliation Australia
Reconciliation Australia staff joined thousands of community members and students from across the region on the annual walk down the Queanbeyan main street, organised by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. Photo: Reconciliation Australia
Children from Goodstart’s Red Hill (Brisbane) early learning centre and local school kids joined MPs and Councillors, and hundreds of residents to celebrate NRW 2024 by planting a Sea of Hearts in an adjacent park. The public event has been a catalyst for positive conversations with neighbours about reconciliation for the past few years. Photo: Charmaine Greenwood
At 16, Gunditjmara/Keerraaywoorrong man Chris Austin entered Pentridge Prison. After nearly 30 years, and with support from The Torch Project, art liberated him. This NRW, Chris (pictured in front of his painting ‘Looking After the River’) led tours through the prison to share his experience with incarceration. Photo: The Torch Project
Despite the cold weather, 500 school children, veterans, servicepeople, and community members gathered on Gadigal Land at the Anzac Memorial to commemorate First Nations veterans. Held every NRW for the last 18 years, the commemoration service is supported by RSL NSW. Photo: Salty Dingo
This article is from Reconciliation News #52. Read the rest of the issue.
