Bridging Now to Next: Recognising the Road to Reconciliation

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an annual event organised by Reconciliation Australia, encouraging all Australians to reflect, learn from and connect with First Nations peoples and Communities. 

The theme for Reconciliation Week 2025 is Bridging Now to Next. 

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Bridging Now to Next invites all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

In this years artwork created by Kalkadoon artist Bree Buttenshaw. Her piece features native plants, known for their ability to regenerate after fire and thrive through hardship. These plants represent our collective resilience and the potential for renewaly − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal.
This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Learn more about this years theme

There are a number of significant dates during Reconciliation Week. 

Sorry Day, May 26

National Sorry Day honours the First Nations peoples forcibly removed from their homes and families  as part of the Stolen Generations. 

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have, in some way, been affected by the Stolen Generations, whether it was their grandparents, parents, or themselves being removed from their families, cultures and Communities, or having relatives taken away from them. 

It is important for Australia to acknowledge that First Nations children continue to be removed at alarming rates from their families. On this day, and every day, ILF also acknowledges the incredible strength and resilience of the world’s oldest continuous culture.

Learn more about Sorry Day

May 27 - The Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum

The Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the start of NRW is on May 27. The Referendum made two changes to the Australian constitution, that First Nations peoples were officially counted in the national census and that federal laws would apply equally to them.

This means that only 55 years ago First Nations peoples were not citizens of Australia. 

You can learn more about exactly what this means on the Right Wrongs website.
 

May 29 - Anniversary of Torres Strait Islander Flag

May 29 marks the anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Flag - being 32 years since the late Bernard Namok Senior from Thursday Island won the design competition for the flag and it was presented to the people. 

The symbol is the Dhori and identifies Torres Strait Islanders. 

“The five points of the star are our group the Eastern, Central, Western, Port Kennedy group and the many that made the mainland their home" explained Namok.

_{AIATSIS: Torres Strait Islander flag.}

June 2 - Mabo Day

Mabo Day recognises the anniversary of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s work for Native Title and to overturn ‘terra ius’ in 1992. 

‘Terra ius’ defined the Australian continent as ‘land belonging to no one’ prior to British invasion and therefore First Nations people as part of the flora and fauna. We recommend the 2012 film ‘Mabo’ which tells the powerful story of his journey and fight for his people. 

_{AIATSIS: Eddie Koiki Mabo.}

In 1966 Vincent Lingari and the Gurindji people began a historic strike at Wave Hill station which lasted eight years and eventually led to the Gurindji people being visited by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. Whitlam poured a handful of sand into the hand of Vincent Lingari which symbolised the returning of the land to the Traditional Owners. 

_{SBS: Vincent Lingari and Gough Whitlam, 1966.} 

Why National Reconciliation Week Matters

It is immensely important to engage with this week. It’s a chance to learn about the hard-fought rights of First Nations peoples and deepen our understanding of Australia’s complex history.

NRW is not just an opportunity - it’s a responsibility. It calls all Australians to learn more about the complex histories of this nation and strive toward reconciliation. 

You can learn more and engage with the week via Reconciliation Australia.