National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week 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 runs from 27 May to 3 June each year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey — the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
National Reconciliation Week 2025
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Read more about this year’s theme #BridgingNowtoNext
Events in Hobsons Bay
About the 2025 theme artwork and NRW resources
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.
Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.
Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.
Check out the Translated Resources page for NRW 2025 posters, colouring-in sheets and information about National Reconciliation Week, the 2025 theme and the reconciliation process in 10 key languages other than English spoken in Australian homes.
Additional resources and links
Explore a range of resources and links during National Reconciliation Week, or anytime throughout the year.
Reconciliation Australia is an independent not-for profit organisation and the lead body for reconciliation in Australia. They promote and facilitate reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Reconciliation Australia website
Our vision for reconciliation is one in which the broader community is positively engaged with and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and peoples. We envisage a community that celebrates the value and diversity of our First Nations and one in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel a sense of pride and belonging.
Find out more
In 2003, Council and the Towards Reconciliation Working Group set about building a relationship with Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council in Queensland. The aim of this early connection was to enhance learning and understanding between our respective local cultures in the shire and municipal Hobsons Bay.
Find out more about the Friendship Alliance
The Yalukit Willam booklet provides a short history of the First People of Hobsons Bay. It was first published in 2001, then reprinted in 2011, and is now available online to download.
Download the Yalukit William booklet(PDF, 5MB)
Paul Callaghan belongs to the land of the Worimi people and is the author of the book The Dreaming Path: Indigenous thinking to change your life.
In this online Q&A, Paul discusses his personal life experiences which led to finding his own dreaming path. The conversation reveals the power of Aboriginal spirituality that Paul has found.
Content warning: This video discusses depression and suicidal thoughts.
Watch the online Q&A now
Lost Lands Found is an ecological art project established in Logan Reserve, Altona, adjacent to the Altona Homestead. This densely-planted space highlights our ecological neighbours – Altona’s local Indigenous wildflowers, grasses, herbs and lilies.
Use the Lost Lands Found Species List to discover some of the plants that feature in the project, and perhaps plant some in your own garden.
Download the Species List