National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June 2026. National Reconciliation Week 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 theme for 2026, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. It 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.
The dates of Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. The successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
On the eve of Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day commemorates the tabling of the the Bringing Them Home report in Parliament. The report resulted from the Government enquiry into past policies that caused children to be removed from their families and communities. National Sorry Day is a time for reflection, healing and acknowledging the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations. It is a day to commemorate their resilience, acknowledge past injustices, and support the ongoing reconciliation process.
Before and throughout Reconciliation Week, we are hosting a range of events and initiatives that provide opportunities for our community to come together and connect, learn, reflect and celebrate.
Bush Tucker Talk at Gungah Bay Reserve
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Join us at Gungah Bay Reserve to discover local bush foods and their traditional and contemporary uses.
Led by an Aboriginal educator from Koori Kinnections, this experience invites participants to slow down, observe the landscape and learn about the deep cultural connections Aboriginal people have with Country.
You will learn about native plants, local wildlife and the sustainable practices that have supported life on this land for thousands of years.
When: Saturday 23 May 2026, 11.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Gungah Bay Reserve,110A Marine Drive, Oatley.
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Walking and Yarning on Country for National Sorry Day
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Connect to Country and learn about the significance of National Sorry Day
with Bidjigal Traditional Owner Aunty Barb Simms, Uncle Dean Kelly (Yuin/Wailwan), and Aunty Calita Murray. Council is proud to partner with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation to host this free community event.
Join yarning circles with Aunty Barb and Aunty Calita to honour the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on healing.
Take part in a Walk on Country at Oatley Park with Uncle Dean to learn how the land and native plants were cared for over generations.
In the spirit of reconciliation, the morning also includes a performance by the Fiestaville Multicultural Choir and a free BBQ lunch provided by the Oatley Lions Club.
When: Sunday 24 May 2026, 9.30am - 1.30pm.
Where: Oatley Park Foreshore.
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Storytime with Aunty Calita Murray at Carss Bush Park Playground
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Join Aunty Calita Murray for Storytime at Carss Bush Park Playground.
While you are there, explore the engraved artworks that recognise the Bidjigal people, the first inhabitants of Carss Park, and represent how knowledge is shared across generations.
This event is for primary school–aged children with their parents or carers.
Please book a ticket so we can notify you if the session moves indoors. In the event of adverse weather, the Storytime will be held at the Carss Park Lifesaving Hall, also at Carss Bush Park.
When: Wednesday 3 June 2026, 4.00pm - 5.00pm.
Where: Carss Bush Park Playground.
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Georges River Council's Better Together Campaign
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Georges River is a rich and culturally diverse community. We have a growing population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live, work and meet in our LGA. We celebrate our diversity and are committed to supporting a socially inclusive and connected community. We want to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome, which is why we launched the Georges River “Better Together” anti-racism campaign on 21 March 2022.
This four-year campaign aims to promote diversity, encourage social cohesion and call out discrimination in our community. Initiatives of this campaign have included the installation of twelve #RacismNotWelcome street signs in high-traffic locations to ensure everyone who lives, works or visits Georges River feels welcome and assured that racism is not accepted. Bystander Anti-Racism Training sessions have been delivered to help members of the community identify racism and be given the tools on how to act. Ethical Storytelling Workshops have assisted people from diverse communities to share their stories of lived experiences.
During Reconciliation Week, we want to hear from you. Visit our Your Say survey and tell us how we can support those affected by racism. The survey is also a safe space for you to share whether you have seen or experienced racism in the community.
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Explore the First Nations Collection at Georges River Libraries
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 Georges River Libraries' First Nations Collection consists of over 600 titles.
The collection was created with the aim of amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and artists to build knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture within our community.
The bulk of the collection is available to browse and borrow from Hurstville Library, however members can reserve items in the library catalogue to pick up from any of the Georges River Libraries access points.
For more information, email library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or visit the library website.
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Reconciliation Week Children's Craft Station at Hurstville Museum & Gallery
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Pull up a chair in our Snapshot Gallery and relax while the kids enjoy colouring activities about reconciliation.
These activities reflect the call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
Feel free to join in the fun yourself)
When: Wednesday 27 May - Wednesday 3 June 2026.
Where: Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
For more information and opening hours, email museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or visit Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
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