ALL IN: National Reconciliation Week

Please be advised that this story features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.‍

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to reflect and make change in Australia towards reconciliation. 

This year, Reconciliation Australia is calling to every person in this country to actively contribute in their work, families, communities and lives to the support and advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights and freedoms in the spirit of reconciliation. 

Reconciliation matters because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience the ongoing impacts of colonisation. Acknowledging the past helps build a fairer future. Reconciliation is about respect, truth-telling and taking meaningful action.

All In | The 2026 Theme

The 2026 theme is All In for Reconciliation. 

“All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.”

This theme also demonstrates that commitment to reconciliation is not a symbolic or box ticking ritual. Committing to impactful reconciliation is about championing First Nations’ languages, cultures, and values in every aspect of your lives and workplaces and actively working towards a more equitable Australia. Taking responsibility for oneself’s actions and being proactive in your commitment to reconciliation is the first step.

Gaagal by Otis Hope Carey

The NRW artwork is called Gaagal by Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey.

“All of my paintings connect to water. This artwork uses the ocean as a metaphor for people from all walks of life swirling together to be ‘all in’ for reconciliation. The phrase ‘Gaagal’ translates to ‘Ocean’, and it is the totemic spiritual emblem of the Gumbaynggirr people. It’s a really important clan totem and holds a lot of healing elements for us. We are a saltwater and freshwater people, and any body of water is sacred to us. My paintings are my interpretation of my connection to water.” says Otis.

Significant Days of Reflection and Remembering

26 May | Sorry Day 

Held annually on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and pays respect to First Nations individuals who were forcibly removed from their homes as part of the Stolen Generations. 

The day acknowledges the strength of Stolen Generation Survivors and reflects on how we can all play a part in healing for our people and for our society.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today have been impacted in some way by the Stolen Generations, whether it was through grandparents, parents, relatives or directly themselves.

It is important to acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still 10.6 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be removed from their families. 

We cannot move forward with the present without accepting the truth of our history. Sorry Day serves as a reminder of this historical injustice and its impacts. 

27 May | The beginning of NRW and Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum 

27 May is the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and the Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. 

On this day 59 years ago, Australians voted to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples included as part of the Australian population and that the Commonwealth government could make laws for them. 

This was an important part of this nation’s history because 90.77% of voters said ‘Yes’, and every state had a majority ‘Yes’ vote, making this one of Australia’s most successful campaigns. 

“Thousands of people worked on the campaign and achieving the ‘yes’ was a huge victory, signalling a change in the mindset of Australia’s majority. It opened the door to First Nations Australian agency, bringing to light many strong leaders and organisations, and the expectation that things could be different. Change was possible, and they were willing to fight for it. In many ways, that fight continues today.” – Reconciliation Australia

Only 59 years ago, First Nations peoples were not regarded as citizens in this country. With next year marking the 60th anniversary of such an historic moment.

29 May | Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Flag 

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by late Bernard Namok and won a design competition and was officially presented to the Torres Strait Cultural Festival on 29 May 1992. In 1995, the flag was recognised by the Australian Government as an official Flag of Australia under the Flags Act 1953. 

The flag is significant to Torres Strait Islander people and represents the different aspects of the islands. 

• The blue represents the ocean.
• The green represents the surrounding lands.
• The star represents the navigation of the seas and the 5 points of the star represent the 5 islands of the Torres Strait.
• The white dhari (dancer’s headdress) represents the islands and their strong cultures, and use of white is symbolic of peace.
• Read about this creation and impact in Our Flag, Our Story - written by Bernard’s son himself.

3 June | Mabo Day 

Mabo Day, held on 3 June every year, commemorates the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo and marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 Mabo decision.

Eddie Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander man who challenged the claim that his family’s traditional land was owned by the Crown. This led to Mabo v Queensland (No 2) where the High Court’s decision overturned the claim and set a precedent for the official recognition of Indigenous custodianship over traditional land.

The decision also overturned the concept of terra nullius, Latin for ‘nobody’s land’. This colonial concept was often used at the time to justify the British Crown’s claim on land, as though it was previously unoccupied territory.

Events happening in your community 

ACT:

Wednesday 27 May 2.00pm - 3 June 3.00pm

First Nations Experience of Democracy Tour

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT, Australia

On this tour during Reconciliation Week, you will hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change in politics.

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Monday 1 June @ 10.00am - 3.00pm

ACT Reconciliation Day

John Dunmore Lang Place, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT, Australia

Reconciliation Day is for Canberrans to come together, learn, and take steps toward a fair and inclusive future.

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NSW:

Wednesday 20 May @ 11.00am - 1.00pm

Community Yarning Up

Lyora Matta First Nations Cultural Hub, 7 West Terrace, Bankstown NSW, Australia

All in For Reconciliation

A space open for conversations, shared learning and collective commitment to Reconciliation

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Sunday 24 May @ 10.00am - 12.00pm

Nguluway

Medicare Mental Health Centre Unit 1 - 4, 235-241 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

RivMed and Medicare Mental Health Centre are pleased to launch their Sunday BBQ’s 'Nguluway’ for National Reconciliation Week.Sunday BBQ Nguluway

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NT:

Friday 29 May @ 10.00am - 12.00pm

National Reconciliation Week Morning Tea

CatholicCare NT Corner Giles and First St Katherine Corner Giles & First Street, Katherine, NT

Free morning tea for the Katherine community.

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Wednesday 3 June @ 11.45am - 1.45pm

Mabo Day/ National Reconciliation Week BBQ

Raintree Park 52 The Mall, Darwin City

Co-hosted by Reconciliation Northern Territory and Power and Water, this community event is proudly supported by Larrakia Nation, Santos, CDC Northern Territory, Anglicare NT and CareFlight. 

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QLD:

Wednesday 27 May @ 2.30pm - 4.00pm

All In: Allyship, Action and Reconciliation with Jesse Williams

The ES Meyers Lecture Theatre, Mayne Medical School

Mayne Medical School, Herston, QLD

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a keynote address by Jesse Williams in response to the 2026 NRW theme, All In.

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Friday 29 May @ 12.00pm - 1.00pm

Yarning Series: Conversations that connect

Queensland Museum Tropics 70-102 Flinders Street, Townsville City, QLD

Join us for the first Yarning Series talk, where inspiring First Nations leaders share their powerful stories and journeys.

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SA:

Thursday 28 May @ 12.00pm - 2.30pm

Southern Embrace Culture

Mitchell Park Community Centre 139 Bradley Grove Mitchell Park, Adelaide SA

Join us for a meaningful cultural experience with Petiola Wilson, a proud descendant of the Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna nations.

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Thursday 28 May @ 5.30pm - 6.45pm

Yarning Circle With Spirit in Unity - Woodcroft Library

Woodcroft Library 175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale, SA

Step into the cultural heritage of Aboriginal Australians. Experience their traditions through storytelling and

sharing knowledge with Spirit in Unity.

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TAS:

Wednesday 27 May @ 7.00am - 9.00am

National Reconciliation Week 2026 Breakfast - Nipaluna/ Hobart

MyState Bank Arena 601 Brooker Highway, Glenorchy, TAS

Wednesday 3 June @ 7.00am - 9.00am

National Reconciliation Week 2026 Breakfast - Launceston on Kanamaluka

Tailrace Centre 1 Waterfront Dr, Launceston TAS

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VIC:

Tuesday 26 May @ 10.00am - 12.00pm

National Sorry Day Ceremony

Knox Civic Centre 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantima South VIC

Join us as we recognise 21 years of acknowledging Sorry Day at the Knox Civic Centre.

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Wednesday 27 May @ 9.00am - 3 June @ 8.00pm

Indigenous Authors Book Display

Sunshine Library 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine VIC

Book display of Indigenous authored books at Sunshine Library.

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WA:

Thursday 28 May @ 8.00am - 12.00pm

Aboriginal Cultural Awareness: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Bishops See 235 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA
Gain knowledge and awareness of the culture, history and experiences of Australia’s First Peoples during National Reconciliation Week.

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Thursday 28 May @ 12.00pm - 1.00pm

Reconciliation Week BBQ Day Moora

Central Regional TAFE 242 Berkshire Valley Road, Moora, WA

Join us as we come together to honour the past, acknowledge truth, and stand united for a fairer future.