Published on 25 May 2026
Hobsons Bay City Council is ‘all in’ this National Reconciliation Week, with a series of events taking place to mark the annual occasion.
National Reconciliation Week takes place each year from 27 May to 3 June, serving as a time for the community to learn about our shared histories and cultures, and to explore how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation between First Nations communities and non-Indigenous peoples.
The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - 27 May being the successful 1967 referendum and 3 June the 1992 Mabo High Court decision that held that native titled existed.
Council is embracing the 2026 theme of ‘All In’, which highlights that reconciliation can’t be achieved passively, with everyone in the community encouraged to take action to make change.
Council is commencing development of its next Reconciliation Action Plan, which will outline meaningful actions to be delivered by Council, in partnership with First Nations people, to support reconciliation.
A wide-ranging events program will also be on offer for the community to get involved with throughout the week across the city.
Events include a yarning circle, basket weaving sessions, cultural awareness training, special movie screening, walk on country and a National Reconciliation Week poster exhibition.
More information on National Reconciliation Week in Hobsons Bay is available at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/nrw
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
“Each year, National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for us to consider what we are doing to take steps towards reconciliation.
“I think this year’s theme is a particularly important one, driving home to everyone that reconciliation truly is an active process, not one you can sit back and watch happen.”
2026 National Reconciliation Week events schedule
Yarning Circle: Moving with the Seasons
A safe space for respectful conversation and learning, deepen your understanding of Boonwurrung Culture
Wednesday 27 May - 6pm to 7.30pm - Altona Library
Samantha Bennett’s Bunurong basket weaving circle
Workshops that use the art and practice of traditional weaving to share stories of colonialism, culture and resilience
Saturday 30 May – 10am to 11.30am and 12pm to 1.30pm - Woods Street Arts Space, Laverton
First Nations Cultural Awareness Training
Free training to support effective communication, challenge stereotypes, and build a deeper understanding of past and present issues affecting First Nations peoples
Tuesday 2 June - 6pm to 8.30pm - Altona Meadows Library
Special morning movie club screening: In My Blood It Runs (18+)
Documentary follows Dujuan, a 10-year-old Arrernte/Garrwa boy, as he navigates the chasm between his traditional upbringing and the challenges of the Australian state education system in Alice Springs
Wednesday 27 May - 10am to 12.30pm - Altona Library
National Reconciliation Week poster exhibition
An exhibition featuring posters from National Reconciliation Week over the years.
25 May to 25 June - 8.30am to 5pm (weekdays) - Hobsons Bay Civic Centre