Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ history in Australia is long and rich, making it the focal point for several celebrations throughout the year, including National Reconciliation Week.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June. During this time, people around Australia will come together to learn about the nation’s shared histories, cultures and achievements. Here’s what you need to know about National Reconciliation Week 2025 and how you can get involved.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week is a time of commemoration, recognition and respect for Australia’s First Nations people. The start and end dates (27 May and 3 June, respectively) hold great significance in history.
On 27 May 1967, Australia’s most successful referendum was held, which saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote in favour of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Census.
On 3 June 1992, the Australian High Court established the Mabo decision, one of the most well-known decisions in Australia’s history. It started with Eddie Mabo, an Indigenous Australian man who challenged the ‘terra nullius’ legal standing, which stated that Australia’s lands belong to no one. Instead, the Mabo decision rightfully acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands.
Read more: Five Things You Can do Right Now to Support and Celebrate First Nations Cultures
The theme of National Reconciliation Week 2025 is “Bridging Now to Next” – a reflection on the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
National Reconciliation Week 2025: How You Can Get Involved
Because this week-long celebration is recognised across the country, you should have no trouble finding events and activities in your local area. You can head to the full calendar of events here and search by state to find the ones that suit your schedule.
Your insitiution may also be hosting their own events – check out your student event calendar to see what’s happening.
To get you started, these are some National Reconciliation Week activities and events in each state and territory:
ACT
The ACT is home to a variety of reconciliation events. From 27-29 May, the facade of the Australian Parliament House will be illuminated in striking colours, inspired by the artwork of Pitjantjatjara artist Michelle Lewis. Plus, check out the First Nations Experiences of Democracy Tour from 27 May to 3 June, where you will hear stories of how First Nations Australians have created change.
You can check out more Reconciliation Week events in the ACT here.
NSW
No matter where you are in NSW, you’re sure to find some reconciliation activities nearby. From theatre performances to storytelling to memorials, there are many interactive and interesting ways to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ history. For example, the Charmaine Davis exhibition will run until 20 June at Brookfield Place Sydney, displaying artworks that are deeply connected to culture, homelands, and family.
You can check out the Reconciliation NSW events calendar for more inspiration.
NT
If you’re in Darwin, be sure to head to National Reconciliation Week Trivia Night. Or, on 26 May, use your lunch break to enjoy a performance by Jaxon De Santis, sharing live acoustic music in the heart of the city.
See more Reconciliation Week events in the Northern Territory here.
Queensland
Several events will be held over the course of Reconciliation Week across Queensland, including Stories through time Living cultures enduring connections exhibition at the University of Queensland’s Anthropology Museum Collection, Blak Markets on UQ’s campus, and First Nations Art Tour.
Explore more Queensland events here.
SA
Those in Adelaide can attend a Kaurna language workshop with Uncle Tamaru, the Bridges to reconciliation community BBQ in Ovingham and a TAFE SA Adelaide Campus Community Event on 27 May.
Check out South Australia’s Reconcilliation Week events here.
Tasmania
If you’re studying in Hobart, don’t miss the National Reconciliation Week Breakfasts. These are a great opportunity to connect with the local community and culture. You can also join a guided cultural history tour in Ulverstone on 27 May.
See more events on the Reconciliation Tasmania calendar.
Victoria
Victoria is home to a wide range of National Reconciliation Week events. In Melbourne, RMIT will host a panel discussion on the Treaty process in Victoria on 27 May, featuring key speakers from the First Peoples’ Assembly. Or, join a Free Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Check out all the events here.
WA
If you’re living in WA, there’s no shortage of meaningful ways to get involved during Reconciliation Week. On 28 May, you can join Reconciliation Rising: Mob & Allies Yarn in Perth for open and honest dialogue. The WA Reconciliation Breakfast is also back, spotlighting powerful stories from communities across the state.
Explore more events across WA here.
