National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is held between 27 May to 3 June each year. It is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and explore how we can all make our mark in Australia’s reconciliation journey.
In 2024, the theme is ‘Now more than Ever’ a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue.
Significance of National Reconciliation Week
The start and end dates of National Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey.
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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands and waters, paving the way for native title.
For more information, visit the National Reconciliation Week website.
Celebrating National Reconciliation Week
Search Council’s What’s On calendar for local National Reconciliation Week events or explore other ways you can celebrate. View featured events below, including public ceremonies to mark National Sorry Day on 26 May.
On 27 May and 1 June Brisbane City Hall, Reddacliff Place, Sandgate Town Hall, Story Bridge, Tropical Display Dome and Victoria Bridge will be lit either in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags or in all colours to recognise National Reconciliation Week.
Activities and resources by other organisations
- Get along to the Brisbane Writers Festival and hear from First Nations Authors, including showcases at Kuril Dhagan. Tickets are free.
- The State Library of Queensland has activities and resources on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language. Explore the interactive Queensland language map.
- Attend Birrunga Gallery's 2024 Reconciliation Week art exhibition on Saturday 25 May 2024, 5-8.30pm. Tickets and more information via Eventbrite.
- Consider starting or joining a choir to sing the great reconciliation anthem Blackfella/Whitefella by the Warumpi Band.
- Reconciliation Australia have shared five First Nations stories in the spotlight.
- Visit Reconciliation Australia for a participatory workshop on Allyship Action and Analysis hosted Wednesday 29 May, 4-5pm.
- Join Professor Megan Davis and Aunty Pat Anderson OA on Friday 31 May to reflect on the referendum. Tickets and more information via Eventbrite.
- Organisations can host a screening of a Reconciliation Film Club documentary and bring people together to develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous peoples with culture.
- Join Queensland Conservatorium students as they present a free Reconciliation Lunchtime Concert held on Tuesday 28 May, 12.30pm at the Southbank campus.
- Take a cultural tour around South Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct or immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience by BlackCard.
- Nyanda have Aboriginal Cultural Tours and Bush Food Experiences available at Nudgee Waterholes. Visitor tours operate daily between 9am-4pm.
- Host a morning tea with your organisation, community or family and indulge in some delicious bush tukka. Catering available at Figjam & Co.
- Visit Heritage Lanes’ public art collection which celebrates the precinct’s Indigenous and post-settlement histories. Developed around the central theme of 'Bounty' in honour of the site’s Indigenous heritage.
Featured events
Drop in and make a rainbow serpent in the lead up to Reconciliation Week. This inclusive event is ideal for those with diverse abilities and their carers.
Still life takes on new life in this celebration of the art of the flower. Brisbane has a strong culture of artists using floral imagery to tell stories of this...
Brisbane Greeters offer free Greeter's Choice tours around the city, as well as a variety of fascinating guided tours around other precincts across Brisbane...
Still life takes on new life in this celebration of the art of the flower. Brisbane has a strong culture of artists using floral imagery to tell stories of this...
Brisbane Greeters offer free Greeter's Choice tours around the city, as well as a variety of fascinating guided tours around other precincts across Brisbane...
Bush Kindy is for children aged 3 - 5 years, alongside their parents and carers. Be immersed in the natural surroundings of the forest as children build nature...
Bush Kindy is for children aged 3 - 5 years, alongside their parents and carers. Be immersed in the natural surroundings of the bushland as children build...
Still life takes on new life in this celebration of the art of the flower. Brisbane has a strong culture of artists using floral imagery to tell stories of this...
Bush Kindy is for children aged 3 - 5 years, alongside their parents and carers. Be immersed in the natural surroundings of the forest as children build nature...
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our...
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our...
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our...
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our...
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our...
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our...
Other Council activities
- Take a walk on a Cultural Trail or the Indigenous Games Trail.
- Checkout the amazing art work on our buses.