National Reconciliation Week

All are welcome to mark the Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week events held across the nation.

The City of Ballarat will commence National Reconciliation Week

As the City Bridges Now to Next we invite you to a Wadawurrung ceremony and lunchtime tours to learn about Wadawurrung Country and some of the designs, plants and Wadawurrung language used through Bridge Mall.

When: Tuesday 27 May at 12.30pm
Where: Bridge Mall Yarramlok / Yarrowee River portal.
*Native tea and free Wadawurrung plant seedlings provided.* 

The Taken Exhibition

The City of Ballarat and BADAC invite Community one and all to a powerful photographic exhibition of The Taken images as requested by Ballarat Elder and Stolen Generation survivor Uncle Murray Harrison. Select photos will be on show at BADAC Tree Room.

When: Monday 26 May - Tuesday 3 June
Where: Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative, Tree Room

National Reconciliation Week native plant walks at Bridge Mall

The City of Ballarat will collaborate with Wadawurrung nursery and Leigh Catchment Group and invites one and all to join us for National Reconciliation Week native plant walks at Bridge Mall.

When: Tuesday 27 May - Tuesday 3 June, starting each day 12.30pm
Where: Coliseum Lane, Bridge Mall
 

Ballarat Libraries National Reconciliation Week Storytimes

Across the Week - See the Ballarat Library, Sebastopol Library. Wendouree Library WHATS ON BROCHURE, from page 22

Caring for Country Wadawurrung Session

This session will be presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. 

When: Thursday 5 June at 6.30 - 7.30pm
Where: Sebastopol Library Bookings required.
Bookings: via humanitix

To share your event and see what else is happening around Ballarat visit Ballarat First Nations Events

Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year. 

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey:

• Successful 1967 referendum
• High Court Mabo decision

As National Reconciliation Week 2025 approaches, with the theme "Bridging Now to Next" it’s crucial for us to both celebrate progress and confront the persistent challenges that threaten our journey towards true reconciliation and mutual respect. 

Reconciliation Week is more than a reflection; it's a call to action to address continued issues like racism, which unfortunately, remains a significant problem in Australia.

In the lead up to and post 2023 National Referendum and January 26th events Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Ballarat noted a rise in racism both online and in personal interactions. In December 2023 a white supremacist group of around 30 men marched through the town at various public locations, a flagpole was vandalised in an act which saw the Aboriginal flag stolen just ahead of the City of Ballarat’s annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and Koorie Engagement Action Group Advisory Committee members reported an increase in online and face to face abuse following the media launch of the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and inaugural Reflection and Healing events.  

This surge in racist activity is a stark reminder of the broader societal issues we face.

In 2022, Reconciliation Australia found that 60 per cent per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had experienced at least one form of racial prejudice in the 6 months prior to the release of their Australian Reconciliation Barometer report — this is up from 52 per cent in 2020 and 43 per cent in 2018. These figures underscore the pressing need for continuing our efforts in combating racism. 

Let’s remember that reconciliation requires active participation from all of us. Last year’s theme "Now More Than Ever" is still relevant and reflects our collective need to push back against divisiveness and foster a culture of respect and unity.

Together, let’s strengthen our commitment to building an inclusive Australia where every voice is valued and heard. 

To share your event and see what else is happening around Ballarat visit Ballarat First Nations Events

For more information on National Reconciliation Week visit Reconciliation Australia