New South Wales residents are encouraged to embrace the challenge of this year’s National Reconciliation Week: Be Brave. Make Change.
National Reconciliation Week, which runs annually from 27 May to 3 June, commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
The theme for this year’s event is a direct challenge to Be Brave and embrace reconciliation and take responsibility to Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said everyone has a part to play when it comes to building knowledge and relationships that value the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The First Nations people are a cultural strength of our nation. Every year, National Reconciliation Week brings into focus their incredible 65,000-year legacy and custodian of country,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to improving life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is about enacting systemic change across health, education and justice.”
National Sorry Day held on 26 May leads into National Reconciliation Week and reminds Australians it is a time for reflection and healing as a united community
“We acknowledge the Stolen Generations and pay our respects to those we have lost, and we give special recognition to all survivors, whose stories assist in a deeper understanding of the past,” Minister Franklin said.
National Reconciliation Week started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.
In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week and in 2000, the biggest demonstration of public support for a cause in Australia, the Bridge Walk for Reconciliation, raised the national consciousness.
Mr Franklin will attend several National Reconciliation Week events around the state.
Further information at https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/
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