National Reconciliation Week 2025

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What is National Reconciliation Week?

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) - held every year from 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. 
 
National Reconciliation Week provides a focus for working towards our goal of a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. 
 
National Reconciliation Week is an ideal time for organisations, schools, universities, community groups and workplaces to advance understanding of reconciliation within their own places and their own lives.  

Theme and artwork 

The NRW 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. 

Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. 

At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together. 

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together. 

What’s the significance of 27 May and 3 June? 

27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

3 June marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised Native Title — the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation. 

National Sorry Day 

National Sorry Day is observed on May 26th the day before NRW begins. This is a day of remembrance honouring the Stolen Generations—First Nations children forcibly removed from their families under government policies. On this day as we pause to acknowledge this painful history, we recognise the profound generational trauma these policies caused and continue to cause.  

Get involved 

Looking for ways to be involved in NRW this year? Check below for some ideas on how to participate.  

  • Join us at your local library and take part in our Community Reconciliation Installation.

  • Visit our libraries for a NRW Colouring Sheet or download one here. Colour and return to your local library – prizes to be won!

  • Visit the Reconciliation Australia website for more information and to discover what activities and events are taking place in your local area during National Reconciliation Week. 

  • Think about what you can do locally and take the time to learn about the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that exists in Australia.   

  • Find the time to talk with your family and friends about why it’s important for all Australians to build respectful relationships with each other, and especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Indigo Shire Council acknowledges the original custodians of these lands. The people of the rivers and the hills have walked these lands for thousands of years as well as today, and we pay respect to the elders of the past and present.