NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2024
27 MAY - 3RD JUNE 2024
To celebrate this year’s National Reconciliation Week, our Community Resources staff learned a greeting in the local language of the Country they work on.
Language, Country, culture, and community are closely connected; keeping traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages alive for future generations is important to maintain culture and identity. It also helps us understand and connect with each other and the land we work on.
Staff used Aboriginal language dictionaries and contacted local Aboriginal language experts to research phrases and translations. The activity was a positive way for us to come together, learn and celebrate Aboriginal culture and history during this important week.
“It’s an opportunity for us to learn, reflect and contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation in Australia.”
Hi everyone,
Reconciliation Week is an important time for us to grow our understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. It’s an opportunity for us to learn, reflect and contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation in Australia.
During this week, I encourage you all to:
Listen and Ask Questions: Listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as they speak about Reconciliation Week and what it means to them. Look for resources to learn more about the week and if you have questions – ask!
Learn About Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures: Attend cultural performances, visit exhibitions, search online or participate in workshops to learn about traditions, languages, and practices.
Engage with Local Organisations: Reach out to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, including Aboriginal Land Councils, Aboriginal Medical Services, and historical organisations and ask if they have any resources to share or events you can attend.
Reflect on Our Role in Reconciliation: Consider how we, as individuals and in our workplaces, can support reconciliation efforts. Think about the steps you can take so that we may move forward together.
I’m proud to share we’re taking positive steps towards reconciliation at Community Resources by working on our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which we hope to launch by the end of the year. This plan will guide our organisation’s actions and contributions towards reconciliation.
For those interested in learning more about Reconciliation Week, please visit the Reconciliation Australia website at www.reconciliation.org.au.
Rebecca Stone
Community Resources Cultural Lead
Reconciliation Week Events
New South Wales
Caraways Reconciliation Walk
Lakeside Dr Reserve, Koonwarra Bay
May 16th - 11.00am - 1.00pm
The event will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Speeches performed by Elders. The inclusion of traditional dance performances from local schools and didgeridoo performances. All attendees will be invited to walk back to Koonwarra Community Centre to demonstrate their support for the occasions with a free BBQ at 12pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Reconciliation BBQ Breakfast
Taree Public School, Taree
May 31 - 9.30am
Join Pathfinders Family Connect and Support team for a breakfast being held at Taree Public School. If you wish to attend, please contact Lynn Brettle and or Serge Morcombe by the 29th of May
Aboriginal History Talk and Bushfood Tasting
Lachlan's Line Auditorium, Jarvis Circuit, North Ryde
30th of May - 10.00am - 11.30am
Come and join us this National Reconciliation Week and hear from an Aboriginal Educator from Koori Konnections about the history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learn about the dreamtime, tools, crafts and meanings behind some of the traditional language used to describe the land around us.
National Reconciliation Week Flag-Raising Event
Fairfield City Council, 86 Avoca Road Wakeley
28th of May - 9.30am - 12pm
This is a free event. The event will include an Acknowledgement of Country, traditional Aboriginal cultural performances, speeches, raising of the flags, morning tea and networking opportunities
Australian National Capital (ACT)
Reconciliation Day
Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Join us for a free-family friendly event showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, food, music and entertainment as part of National Reconciliation Week Celebrations
Monday, 27th of May
8.30am - 3pm
First Nations Experiences of Democracy Tour
Museum of Australia, Democracy of Old Parliament House, 18 King George Avenue, Parkes, ACT
Monday 27th - 3 June - 2.00pm
Come on this special tour during Reconciliation Week which considers aspects of the experiences of First Nations within our democracy. On this 45-minute tour you will hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change
Victoria
Reconciliation Week Flag Raising Ceremony
45 Princes Highway, Werribee
Monday 27th of May - 8.00am - 12.00pm
The flag raising event will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony provided by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. It will also include speakers, community organisations, morning tea and performances
National Reconciliation Week - City of Stonnington
Malven Town Hall, 1251 High Street Malven , Melbourne
Tuesday 21st of May - 2.00pm -3.30pm
This event will include a Welcome of Country, and performances
Cardina Shire Flag Raising
Cardina Shire Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer
Monday 27th of May - 12.30pm - 2.00pm
Join us for a flag raising ceremony recognising the National Reconciliation Week. This a free event to include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, family friendly activities and afternoon tea
Queensland
Reconciliation Day Celebration 2024
Bribie Island Seaside Museum, 1 South Esplanade , Bongaree
Sunday 2 June - 10.30 - 12pm
Join us on a day of celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The sharing of joyful morning of song and dance as we recognise Australian First Nations culture and unite with Pumicestone Indigenous Education and Employment commemorate National Reconciliation Week and celebrate this community groups local contributions and achievements.
Morning tea will be provided
Western Australia
Reconciliation WA NRW Breakfast - Boorloo
River View Room Optus Stadium, 333 Victoria Park Drive Burswood, Perth
Monday 27th May - 7.30am - 10.30am
A not-to-be-missed event that kicks of National Reconciliation Week right across the state - bringing together engaging keynote speakers including Dr Betsy Buchanan and Justice Robert French, Aboriginal Leaders including Dr. Richard Walley as well as powerful regional voices, truth telling and unique performances.
Reconciliation WA NRW Breakfast - Albany
Albany Entertainment Centre, 2 Toll Place, Albany
Monday 27th May - 7.30am -10.30am
Join your local reconciliation community for a buffet-styled breakfast, before tuning into the NRW Breakfast Broadcast from Boorloo Perth.
Reconciliation WA NRW Breakfast - Kalgoorlie
Goldfields Art Centre, 35 Cheetham Street, Kalgoorlie
Monday 27th May - 7.30am -10.30am
Join your local reconciliation community for a buffet-styled breakfast, before tuning into the NRW Breakfast Broadcast from Boorloo Perth.
Reconciliation WA NRW Breakfast - Karratha
Red Earth Arts Precinct , 27 Welcome Road, Karratha
Monday 27th May - 7.30am -10.30am
Join your local reconciliation community for a buffet-styled breakfast, before tuning into the NRW Breakfast Broadcast from Boorloo Perth.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Australia and recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We walk together towards healing.
