NRW Archives - Reconciliation Australia

New Reconciliation Film Club titles for 2025

Ben Taylor — Wed, 07 May 2025 01:41:55 +0000

New films and episodes explore history, culture and current affairs.

The Reconciliation Film Club website hosts downloadable screening kits, discussion guides and features articles and ideas to support a successful event.

Hosting a screening in your organisation or community is an opportunity to bring people together to develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s perspectives and histories, ignite conversation and spark change.

It’s also a great platform to engage staff more actively in your organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

The Reconciliation Film Club is a partnership between Reconciliation Australia and SBS/NITV.

New in 2025

Two feature-length documentaries and four NITV series episodes have been added to the Reconciliation Film Club catalogue in time for National Reconciliation Week:

Her Name is Nanny Nellie, about a woman’s quest to reclaim her great-grandmother’s story, prompted by her ancestor’s statue at the Australian Museum
Kindred, which examines the complexities of family and belonging through the eyes of two Aboriginal friends adopted by white families
Two episodes of NITV Current Affairs show The Point with John Paul Janke: Who Cares About Alice? and What’s it Going to Take to Fix Alice?
And two new Living Black episodes hosted by Karla Grant: Andy Saunders – Renovating Comedy and Aunty Barbara McGrady – Photographic Philosopher

Why not organise a screening during National Reconciliation Week? It is important to stay engaged, stay informed, and keep learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and culture, bridging the lessons of then and now to the action that you take next.

For more information about the documentaries and to book a screening, visit:
sbs.com.au/nitv/reconciliationfilmclub

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Engaging Multilingual Communities in NRW

Ben Taylor — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:05:52 +0000

Reconciliation Australia has once again produced National Reconciliation Week information and posters in languages other than English to contribute to a broader understanding of reconciliation across the community.

Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine, said one of the biggest challenges for Australia and for reconciliation was ensuring that newly arrived migrants had access to information to help understand the truth of Australia’s history and how it informs and exists in the present day.

‘This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme: Bridging Now to Next reflects the ongoing connection between past, present, and future,’ Karen Mundine said.

‘The future of reconciliation must include a greater participation from multilingual Australian communities.

‘The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 resources and background information are translated into Arabic, Greek, Italian, simplified and traditional Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.

‘These languages reflect communities with both a high total number of speakers, and with significant levels of speakers with low English language proficiency. We plan to provide this information in more languages in the coming weeks.

‘We are committed to ensuring that culturally and linguistically diverse communities can understand more about Australia’s reconciliation movement and are able to be better informed of our shared history.’

The latest census found over half of Australian residents (51.5%) were born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas, and more than 5.5 million Australians speak a language other than English at home. These statistics underscore the importance of sharing the reconciliation message in other languages.

Reconciliation Australia will be providing the resources at the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra on Saturday 8 February.

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Bridging Now to Next – NRW 2025

Faiza Ways — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:00:49 +0000

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.

In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one but one that includes both great strides and disappointing setbacks.

Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.

Corroboree 2000 and the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk were significant events in our long journey and our determination to continue that journey towards a reconciled Australia and justice for First Nations peoples is unstoppable.

The #NRW2025 theme was created in collaboration with Little Rocket, a First Nations owned and operated marketing and creative agency.

More assets, activity, and information will be released in February 2025. Keep an eye on the National Reconciliation Week page for updates.

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Reconciliation campaigns win Anthem Awards Gold

Ben Taylor — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 23:00:51 +0000

National Reconciliation Week campaigns have triumphed at the global 2024 Anthem Awards in New York, taking out Gold in the non-profit category.

#BeAVoiceForGenerations and #NowMoreThanEver were the winning respective themes for National Reconciliation Week 2023 and 2024 in the category for campaigns created by a non-profit organisation to raise awareness for diversity, equity, and inclusion causes.

The NRW campaigns beat more than 2,300 entries submitted from over thirty countries.

The Anthem Award, the world’s largest and most comprehensive social impact award, was given to the two NRW campaigns in recognition of their impact in community engagement for diversity equity and inclusion causes.

Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine welcomed the news and thanked Carbon Creative, the partner agency which worked on the two campaigns. “These two campaigns occurred in dramatically different years: the first in the lead-up to the Voice referendum and the second coming after the referendum defeat.”

“Both campaigns were enthusiastic in advocating for reconciliation and First Nations justice in a fairer Australia during some very challenging times, and I recognise the skills and creative magic brought by our partner, the First Nations-owned Carbon Creative agency.”

Ms. Mundine also thanked Reconciliation Australia’s multicultural and multilingual partner agency, Cultural Perspectives, and the many RAP partners who made significant contributions to the two campaigns.

“This success is also a reflection on our partnership with thousands of businesses, schools, sporting clubs, cultural institutions and not-for-profits which year after year back our efforts for a better Australia,” said Karen Mundine.

Reconciliation Australia will launch the theme for #NRW2025 in December.

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National Reconciliation Week 2024

Faiza Ways — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 12:30:42 +0000

National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The start and end dates of NRW are the same every year to commemorate two significant milestones in our history – the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

The theme Now More Than Ever, called on Australians to reconnect and recommit to bolder action off the back of the disappointing 2023 referendum result. In schools, communities and workplaces across the nation, supporters of the reconciliation movement took up the call and agreed that, now more than ever, the fight for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, recognition and justice must continue, and any advancement must be protected.

Hundreds of events took place across Australia, in so many different forms – performances, film screenings, meals for any time of day, seminars and in-conversations, ceremonies and sporting rounds. These photos represent a small snapshot.

Choirs up and down the country came together again this year to be part of Voices for Reconciliation: Louder than Ever to express their continuing support for reconciliation by belting out the Warumpi Band’s iconic Blackfella/Whitefella.

Reconciliation in Action

Reconciliation Australia and Reconciliation Victoria staff were among the thousands at Yarra Park marking 20 years since AFL legend Michael Long’s historic Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra. On their way to watch the Dreamtime at the G match, attendees dropped in to chat with the team, recorded their commitments to reconciliation and joined in the fun by building their dream team of First Nations footy stars. Photo: Reconciliation Australia

A staggering 2,800 supporters attended Reconciliation South Australia’s annual National Reconciliation Week breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Actor Luke Carroll hosted the event and rapper Briggs was the keynote speaker. Photo: Samuel Graves

Thousands turned up to Commonwealth Park to celebrate ACT Reconciliation Day – the only such public holiday in any state or territory. Visitors to the Reconciliation Australia stall marked their personal commitments to reconciliation. Photo: Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia staff joined thousands of community members and students from across the region on the annual walk down the Queanbeyan main street, organised by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. Photo: Reconciliation Australia

Children from Goodstart’s Red Hill (Brisbane) early learning centre and local school kids joined MPs and Councillors, and hundreds of residents to celebrate NRW 2024 by planting a Sea of Hearts in an adjacent park. The public event has been a catalyst for positive conversations with neighbours about reconciliation for the past few years. Photo: Charmaine Greenwood

At 16, Gunditjmara/Keerraaywoorrong man Chris Austin entered Pentridge Prison. After nearly 30 years, and with support from The Torch Project, art liberated him. This NRW, Chris (pictured in front of his painting ‘Looking After the River’) led tours through the prison to share his experience with incarceration. Photo: The Torch Project

Despite the cold weather, 500 school children, veterans, servicepeople, and community members gathered on Gadigal Land at the Anzac Memorial to commemorate First Nations veterans. Held every NRW for the last 18 years, the commemoration service is supported by RSL NSW. Photo: Salty Dingo

This article is from Reconciliation News #52. Read the rest of the issue.

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Organising An Event For National Reconciliation Week

Ben Taylor — Wed, 01 May 2024 04:00:20 +0000

Whether it’s your first time hosting a National Reconciliation Week event, or your fifth, get some pointers about what makes a good one.

Reconciliation is everyone’s business and National Reconciliation Week (NRW) – 27 May to 3 June – is celebrated in all walks of Australian life.

Schools and universities, workplaces and community groups, sports codes and religious institutions, mums and dads and Aunties and Uncles, and so many others take part in NRW – and hopefully you do too!

Read on for tips on how to make sure your NRW event, big or small, is contributing to a just, equitable, and reconciled Australia.

Aim for meaningful

There is no one way to participate in NRW, but it is important to take time to think sincerely about the context of your event.

The most meaningful NRW events are ones that:

grow your knowledge and understanding
centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices
are tailored to your situation.

For example: a bookshop might organise a talk with a First Nations author; a local sports team or league could hold an Indigenous Round; a law firm might screen a movie on racism is the criminal justice system; and a friendship group of musos might attend the gig of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist.

Whatever starts a conversation is the way to go!

Share the load

NRW is powered by the enthusiasm of participants, but it’s important to be aware of the many responsibilities that fall on First Nations people over the week.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are often asked to organise, attend and speak at NRW events and share their personal experiences with non-Indigenous audiences.

Constantly educating and being the only First Nations person in the room can be incredibly draining.

While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are crucial for NRW events, there are ways to make sure your event is helping not hindering:

don’t assume that an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person wants to be involved in NRW – ask respectfully first
make sure the organising is not falling on First Nations friends, collaborators, or colleagues
find out what responsibilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to their communities over the week, and make sure they are supported to carry them out
discuss the availability of remuneration for First Nations speakers and experts upfront.

Together we can make sure NRW is an energising and inclusive time for everyone.

Ideas to get you started

Still unsure? Here’s some ideas to get you started:

Check out the NRW events portal. Hundreds of public events are held for NRW every year. You can also use the NRW calendar to find in-person events near you, and online events that you can attend from anywhere: reconciliation.org.au/calendar

Host a Reconciliation Film Club screening. Compelling documentary films and series by First Nations creatives. Screen one at work to encourage conversation on a range of issues, including history, justice and equality. The Film Club is a unique and thought-provoking way to bring people together for NRW. The website hosts downloadable screening kits and discussion guides, and features articles and ideas to support a successful event: sbs.com.au/nitv/collection/reconciliation-film-club

Go local. Does your area’s local Aboriginal Land Council or Community Controlled Organisation host events or welcome the public to attend initatives? Find out and connect with local Traditional Owners. Cultural tours of your town or city are also a great way to learn more about the Country you’re on and its rich history.

Get cultural. Across Australia, exhibitions and shows that feature or are by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, musicians and creatives. Organise a daytrip for your office or a night out with your friends to support Australia’s vibrant community of First Nation’s artists.

Start reading. It’s not stranger than fiction – hosting a reconciliation book club makes a for a great NRW event! Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors telling their stories their way helps broaden perspectives and understanding. Search ‘look for a book’ on our website for recommendations.

Still unsure?

If you are still stuck, ask yourself these questions: Whose Country am I on? What is the shared history of this place, before and since colonisation? What is my industry or community’s relationship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? How does this year’s NRW theme relate to me and the event I am trying to run?

The answers to any of these questions would make a strong basis for a meaningful NRW event.

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NRW Reconciliation News out now!

Alex Bleasdale — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 03:30:25 +0000

Packed full of National Reconciliation Week 2024 content, the May edition of Reconciliation News is all about Now More Than Ever.

This edition of Reconciliation News is all about overcoming hesitancy, unknowns or fears to commit to your place in the reconciliation movement, now more than ever.

Jacara Egan was once the only young Aboriginal woman on her sports team – now she’s hitting it out of the park as a role model for others.

Hooked on reconciliation reveals how one man’s passion is building bridges for reconciliation and conservation.

A school in Western Australia has been celebrated for integrating Noongar language into the classroom, creating unforeseen connections with its Italian community.

Dr Hannah McGlade tells us what needs to be reformed to tackle systemic racism in Australia’s police forces.

Researchers Dr Heidi Norman and Dr Anne Maree Payne reveal more about the findings of the UNSW truth-telling report.

And of course the principles and motivation behind the National Reconciliation Week 2024 theme, Now more than ever.

In all of these stories you will find practical, real-world examples of people realising their unique position to create a difference – in their communities, on the sports field, by the Murray River, or in the classroom – and owning it, to great success.

This National Reconciliation Week, use these role models as inspiration to help you commit to your role in defending and advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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