In ‘Bridging Now to Next’, this year’s theme reminds us of the importance of carrying the lessons of our past as we move forwards together to achieve reconciliation.

Council House will be lit up in acknowledgement of the week. The City also contributed to the NRW street banners program, featuring the vivid ‘Snake Nest’ painting by Noongar artist Darryl Dempster, which will be proudly displayed along St Georges Terrace and other streets. The program is made possible thanks to Reconciliation WA, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and the sponsorship of individuals, families and corporations.

This year’s NRW program by Reconciliation WA is also more accessible than ever with events held at multiple venues and sites, including Boorloo (Perth), Nyiyaparli Country (Newman) and Goomburrup Country (Bunbury). There are many ways to get involved, with majority of events providing online access, ensuring you can join in from wherever you live in the City or across Western Australia.

For the full program, head to the Reconciliation WA site.

Here’s some of the opportunities for reflection across the week, starting with National Sorry Day on 26 May:

26 May – Sorry Day Event
Where: Moort-Ak Waadiny / Wellington Square, Stolen Generations Memorial
When: 11am – 2pm
Live or Online: In-person
Join Yokai and Bringing Them Home WA for a powerful National Sorry Day gathering at the Stolen Generations Memorial at Wellington Square. This is an opportunity to listen, reflect and acknowledge the Stolen Generations survivors, and recognise the role we can all play in truth-telling and healing.

27 May – Reconciliation Breakfast
Where: Fremantle Passenger Terminal, Walyalup Fremantle
When: 7.30am – 10.30am
Live or Online: In-person (Sold out); Online – Registrations required or free on NITV on-demand from 9am
Login to the launch of National Reconciliation Week and hear the keynote conversation featuring Patrick Dodson, a Yawuru elder from Broome, also known as the Father of Reconciliation, alongside next-generation leaders Tremane Baxter-Edwards from Wyndham.

28 May – Reconciliation Rising Yarns
Where: Constitutional Centre, West Perth
When: Mob Yarn 10:30am – 12.30pm; Mob & Ally Yarn 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Live or Online: In-person – registration required for either session
After a dedicated Mob Yarn for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the morning, Mob and Allies come together for the Big Yarn which is open to everyone in the community to hear about the next horizon in reconciliation and how you can support it. Join interactive discussions on the NRW theme with speakers and next-generation leader Tremane Baxter-Edwards from Wyndham.

28 May – Genocide in the Wildflower State Screening and Q&A
Where: Constitutional Centre, West Perth
When: 3pm – 5pm
Live or Online: In-person (sold-out); Online – registration required
This special screening by Reconciliation WA, Yokai and Bringing Them Home WA, is a must-see WA truth-telling documentary. It includes a post-film panel with the producers of the film and Stolen Generation survivors.

3 June – Walk for Reconciliation
Where: Galup / Lake Monger
When: First wave 11.30am (children up to age of 12 and teachers/guardians); Second wave 1pm (ages 13+ and adults); Third wave 2.30pm (ages 13+ and adults)
Live or Online: In-person – registration required
This year, walk together at Galup, a place of deep cultural and historical significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people. The journey begins with a Welcome to Country, key speakers and a smoking ceremony, before walking together in truth and unity. Everyone is invited to take part in this shared journey of reconciliation, learning and place-based truth-telling.