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 2026 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 peoples. The start and end dates (27 May and 3 June, respectively) hold great significance in Australian 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 handed down the landmark Mabo decision. The case, led by Torres Strait Islander man Eddie Mabo, challenged the legal concept of ‘terra nullius’, which falsely claimed that Australia belonged to no one before colonisation. The decision recognised 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 2026 is “All In” - a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
National Reconciliation Week 2026: How You Can Get Involved
Because National Reconciliation Week is recognised across the country, there are usually plenty of events and activities happening in every state and territory. From art exhibitions and community BBQs to workshops, performances and guided walks, there are lots of ways to learn more about First Nations cultures and histories.
You can head to the full calendar of events and search by state to find events near you.
Your institution may also be hosting its own events, so check your student event calendar to see what’s happening on campus.
To get you started, here are some examples of the kinds of events typically held across Australia during Reconciliation Week.
ACT
Canberra’s National Reconciliation Week celebrations often include public art, cultural learning experiences and storytelling events.
One major event returning in 2026 is the First Nations Experience of Democracy Tour at Old Parliament House, which explores how First Nations Australians have shaped political and social change.
You can also explore more ACT events through the official NRW events calendar.
NSW
Sydney universities and cultural institutions are hosting a range of discussions, screenings and workshops throughout the week.
UTS is running a full National Reconciliation Week 2026 event series, featuring documentary screenings, Aboriginal cultural awareness training and immersive storytelling experiences.
Students can also explore broader NSW community events through Reconciliation NSW.
NT
In the Northern Territory, community organisations are hosting events focused on culture, connection and storytelling. For example, Weaving Our Stories at the Museum and Art Gallery NT is a live storytelling evening where First Nations women embody sacred resistance to protect Country, climate and community.
You can browse upcoming NT events and community activities through the official National Reconciliation Week calendar.
Queensland
Queensland universities and galleries are again hosting exhibitions, workshops and cultural events during Reconciliation Week.
The University of Queensland is holding a week-long National Reconciliation Week program, encouraging students to explore reconciliation through talks, workshops and community activities.
More Queensland events can be found on the official NRW events calendar.
SA
In Adelaide, universities, councils and community groups are hosting cultural workshops, talks and educational programs.
For example, head to On Country at the Market at the Adelaide Central Market for food, stories and living culture celebrating National Reconciliation Week.
You can also explore additional SA events through Reconciliation SA.
Tasmania
If you're in Tasmania, head to a Reconciliation Week Breakfast, which are grounded in truth-telling and truth-listening, centring Tasmanian Aboriginal voices, lived experiences and perspectives. Speakers share powerful and deeply personal stories that challenge assumptions, provoke reflection and inspire meaningful action.
Students can explore Tasmanian events through Reconciliation Tasmania and the official NRW calendar.
Victoria
Melbourne is hosting a huge range of National Reconciliation Week events in 2026, including concerts, exhibitions and community programs.
The City of Melbourne is running its Reconciliation Week: All In program, with events taking place across Southbank Library, Kathleen Syme Library and Library at the Dock.
Students can also check out more events through Reconciliation Victoria.
WA
Western Australia’s celebrations include storytelling sessions, workshops and cultural programs throughout the week.
The WA Museum is hosting a dedicated National Reconciliation Week 2026 program, featuring Aboriginal storytime sessions, exhibitions and educational events.
The City of Albany is also running a full Reconciliation Week events program, including a Reconciliation Week Breakfast, screenings and cultural discussions.
You can explore more WA events through Reconciliation WA.
No matter where you’re studying in Australia, National Reconciliation Week is a valuable opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and communities, and to take part in conversations about reconciliation and the future of the country.
