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National Reconciliation Week is coming up on 27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week is coming up on 27 May - 3 June.

National Reconciliation Week this year is an important moment to come together and reflect on what it means to carry the ministry of Reconciliation, taking time to truly and deeply listen, and explore practical ways to take up your cross and act to see the flourishing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As Bianca Manning, Gomeroi woman and Common Grace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Coordinator reflects:

"It has now been six months since the Voice referendum. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are still experiencing waves of grief, rejection, exhaustion and disappointment at the referendum result and the public dialogue that played out last year.

In many ways, last year felt like a bushfire year, a difficult year of heat, of pain, of loss.

Yet First Nations peoples are regrouping and showing incredible resilience, and many non-Indigenous Australians (of whom 6.2 million voted YES) desire to continue walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this long journey of truth, justice and collective healing."

Our focus on 'Reconciliation Through the Cross' for this year's National Reconciliation Week engagement has been inspired by Senior Aboriginal Christian Leader Dr Aunty Jean Phillips, who consistently proclaims that it is only through the cross that we can come together to heal and see justice for Aboriginal peoples.

In 2024, we are drawing on the image of new growth and flourishing after a fire, as we are led by Aboriginal Christian Leaders to deeply listen and consider how we can continue walking towards reconciliation and healing.