National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 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 week is framed by the anniversaries of two significant milestones in our reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 Referendum (27 May) and the High Court Mabo decision (3 June). 

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In.

The theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

A snapshot of just a few of the amazing events and activities that occured to be "All In" for Reconciliation in education!

Wesley College Middle Years Assembly

Reconcilation Assembly

Gathering the community together to share and celebrate NWR, student leaders and educators lead the assemblies inspiring and empowering their communities. Rec Vic's Education Officer, Emily, was honoured to speak at Wesley College's Middle Year Assembly. Thank you to Wesmob for the invitation. Pictured above is Jeannie McNab, Webmob Coordinator, with Emily Hui holding Yoorrook's 'Truth Be Told' book. Jeannie shared her family's allyship story and connection to The Lake of Scars documentary.

Emily was also a guest at Melbourne Grammar Grimwade's Reconciliation Assembly led by their RAPpers student leaders, who she was grateful to meet and walk with at The Long Walk to the G as well. It was fantastic to see the student leaders and educators share the great work there partnering with Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir, including Boonwurrung language and exciting future works! Thank you Shelley Faulds for leading this great work with such passion and knowledge that you so generously share with the community.

Worawa Reconciliation Sports Day

Some moments celebrating connection and culture at Worawa Aboriginal College’s annual Reconciliation Sports Carnival! This year’s event was one of the biggest to date, welcoming 22 schools, more than 700 students, along with volunteers, staff and community from across Victoria.

Throughout the day, students came together to connect and join forces to compete in a variety of sports and activities. In true spirit of the theme, “All In”, reminding us meaningful reconciliation requires commitment and participation from everyone.

Darebin Netball

Aunty Lesley North First Nations Round

‍Date: Saturday 30 May

Time: 10:00am

Venue: Narrandjeri Stadium 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury

Recognise National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week and honour the legacy of Aunty Lesley North, a proud Gunditjmara,Mutti-Mutti and Torres Strait Islander woman, and her long-standing impact on netball in Darebin. Smoking ceremony, traditional dance, activities, stalls and more!

Further information darebinnetball@gmail.com

Geelong One Fire

Reconciliation in the Park

‍Date: Saturday 31 May

Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm

Venue: Johnstone Park Djilang/Geelong

Free entry. Live music, free family activities, food andmarkets

ACT Natimuk

All In for Reconciliation: Storytelling Through Film

‍Date: Saturday 31 May

Time: 4-6.30pm

Venue: Natimuk Soldiers Memorial Hall

An evening of conversation, connection and powerful storytelling through two films The Story of Becoming Nala and The Colleano Heart.

Free no booking required. Further information vicechair@actnatimuk.com

‍Date: Friday 29 May

Time: 7:00am to 9:00am

Venue: ANZ Centre Conference Rooms, 833 Collins Street Docklands

We were honoured to hear from a powerful keynote speech by proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, and former Yoorrook Justice Commissioner.  

Other speakers included Christine Couzens MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, Karen Mundine, CEO, Reconciliation Australia and Co-Chairs of Reconciliation Victoria, Aunty Gina Bundle OAM and Prof Andrew Gunstone.

There was also be a very special musical performance from Ngiyampaa and First Nations singer songwriter Pirritu.

This year’s Master of Ceremonies was the inspirational Uncle Charles Pakana, who also convened a Q&A session with our speakers, including a question from Aunty Jill Gallagher AO.

‍Tickets were sold out.

‍We were excited to offer an opportunity to be “All in” and virtually join the Reconciliation Victoria NRW Breakfast that was livestreamed on Channel 31 and via our Rec Vic's YouTube. It can now be viewed on our YouTube channel.

‍Reconciliation Victoria acknowledges the generous support of ANZ in hosting our 2026 National Reconciliation Week Breakfast.

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Our small but amazing team had a wonderful 2025 National Reconciliation Week. NRW 2025 saw us host and partner on several major events, and we attended and spoke at many others. We extend special thanks to all who attended our events, provided feedback, and made the week what it was.

Activities ranged from delivering our National Reconciliation Week breakfast, joining Reconciliation Australia at The Long Walk and Dreamtime Match at the 'G, the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service, numerous speaking engagments and providing small grants to local reconciliation and other groups to run NRW activities.

While it was a very busy week for the team, reconciliation is an all-year-round commitment.