National Reconciliation Week 2022

Acknowledgement of County

Softlink acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand – the Turrbal and Jagera peoples - and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

National Reconciliation Week 2022 

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is observed across Australia each year between the May 27 and June 3. These dates commemorate the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. 

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to acknowledge the part we all play in building a country that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements.

The week explores how all Australians can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

Visit this page to find out more about the history of National Reconciliation Week. 

Be Brave. Make Change

The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week is “Be Brave. Make Change”. This theme encourages a challenge to all Australians – individuals, families, communities, organisations, and government - to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so that we can Make Change for all.

This year’s promotional artwork from Torres Strait Islander illustrator, Tori-Jay Mordey, features a collection of bold, brave characters and highlights the different faces of Australians working for an equal and just society.

These illustrations serve as a visual reminder that reconciliation is everybody’s business.

NRW gives all Australians the opportunity to make a change in their daily lives, whether it be where you live, work or play. It all starts with brave actions. 

How can we make change?

The Reconciliation Australia website has listed 19 actions we can take to make change. This list includes, but is not limited to:

• Tell the truth on racism
• Acknowledge country
• Get your facts first-hand
• Own our history
• Get reconciliation into schools
• Learn your local history

To read more about these actions, and to see the rest of the list, visit this Reconciliation Australia page.

National Reconciliation Week Resources

The Mabo Decision

On The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) page, the significance of the Mabo Decision is explained. 

Australian’s Together have their own webpage on Mabo, featuring a short video that includes footage from the Mabo case. 

Reconciliation

The Reconciliation Australia website explores the meaning and importance of Reconciliation. This webpage outlines the five dimensions that Reconciliation is based on and provides insight into the research, advocacy, policy, and campaign support that underpin a knowledge and understanding of reconciliation. 

Resources for Primary Schools

If you’re looking for resources for primary school students, Reconciliation Australia have provided three colouring in pages based on this year’s theme. For more resources designed specifically for this year, Reconciliation Australia have also provided both print and social media resources to advertise around your school. 

Video Resources

We have linked two videos below that you can show your students to help them gain a better understanding of National Reconciliation Week. The first video is from ABC Australia and features words from Dean Kelly, a member of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community, on his role and connecting back to country. 

The second video from KPMG Australia, outlines the reconciliation journey as they look to create a future where all Australians are united by our shared past, present, future, and humanity.