Ballarat is All In this National Reconciliation Week

The City of Ballarat is encouraging the community to go ‘All In’ this National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), joining individuals, organisations and community groups across Australia in taking action toward reconciliation.

The week encompasses the commemoration of two significant reconciliation milestones; the 1967 referendum and the High Court’s Mabo decision. 

To mark the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, a Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 27 May outside Ballarat Town Hall. Community members are invited to attend and take part in a moment of reflection.

Following the ceremony, a panel discussion will be held inside Ballarat Town Hall, highlighting collaborative efforts underway to advance reconciliation in Ballarat.

Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said National Reconciliation Week provides an important opportunity for the community to come together and demonstrate a shared commitment to meaningful change.

“The City of Ballarat is proud to support initiatives that drive positive, lasting change towards reconciliation,” she said.

“This year’s theme ‘All In’ is a great reminder that we all need to work together, and we are committed alongside our community, key stakeholders and with Council’s Advisory Committees to strengthen these meaningful relationships and drive outcomes.”

Cr Hargreaves said the City of Ballarat’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), endorsed by Council last year, reflects this ongoing commitment.

“The RAP reaffirms our commitment to strengthening relationships, respect and truth telling opportunities with First Nations peoples and embedding reconciliation across our organisation and the broader Ballarat community,” she said.

A range of events will be held by the City of Ballarat and local organisations throughout the week, including a free documentary screening of Her Name is Nanny Nellie at the Ballarat Library and a Gobata Dja (Caring for Country) education session on Wednesday 27 May.

The Ballarat Library will also host A Celebration of First Nations Culture and Creativity, a free art exhibition presented by Perridak Arts throughout Reconciliation Week 2026. The exhibition will officially open at 2pm on the National Day of Healing (Sorry Day).

For more information on local National Reconciliation Week activities, visit https://ballaratfirstnations.com.au/reconciliation-week