National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It’s also a time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. In 2022, the theme, “Be Brave. Make Change” inspired recognition of the fact that each of us has a role to play in bringing about change, building positive relationships and greater respect and trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Anglicare’s journey
Anglicare Southern Queensland, in partnership with the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, is on a journey towards reconciliation. We are members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. A committee established to develop and lead the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in October 2021.
This week runs from 27 May to 3 June every year and commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
27 May 1967
On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
3 June 1992
On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title. Click here to read more about the case.
‘Be Brave. Make Change.’, is a theme which encourages people to make positive changes. Whether that’s in their daily lives: at work, at home, in the public sphere and with their friends.
Together, we can all work towards reconciliation for a brighter, more equitable future.
To find out what’s happening near you, please visit Reconciliation Australia.