National Reconciliation Week

Monday 27 May 2024 - All are welcome to mark the Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week events held across the nation.

• Flag-raising, 10.30am at Queen Victoria Memorial, 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central
• Morning Tea Yarning Circle "Reconciliation Action - what's happening in Ballarat?", 11am-12.15pm at the Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central (Trench Room)

Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June each year. 

These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey:

• Successful 1967 referendum
• High Court Mabo decision

As National Reconciliation Week 2024 approaches, with the theme "Now More Than Ever," it’s crucial for us to both celebrate progress and confront the persistent challenges that threaten our journey towards true reconciliation and mutual respect.

Reconciliation Week is more than a reflection; it's a call to action to address continued issues like racism, which unfortunately, remains a significant problem in Australia.

In the lead up to and post 2023 National Referendum and January 26th events Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Ballarat noted a rise in racism both online and in personal interactions. In December 2023 a white supremacist group of around 30 men marched through the town at various public locations, a flagpole was vandalised in an act which saw the Aboriginal flag stolen just ahead of the City of Ballarat’s annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and Koorie Engagement Action Group Advisory Committee members reported an increase in online and face to face abuse following the media launch of the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and inaugural Reflection and Healing events.  

This surge in racist activity is a stark reminder of the broader societal issues we face.

In 2022, Reconciliation Australia found that 60 per cent per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had experienced at least one form of racial prejudice in the 6 months prior to the release of their Australian Reconciliation Barometer report — this is up from 52 per cent in 2020 and 43 per cent in 2018. These figures underscore the pressing need for continuing our efforts in combating racism. 

As we mark this year’s National Reconciliation Week, let's remember that reconciliation requires active participation from all of us. The theme "Now More Than Ever" reflects our collective need to push back against divisiveness and foster a culture of respect and unity.

Together, let’s strengthen our commitment to building an inclusive Australia where every voice is valued and heard. 

To share your event and see what else is happening around Ballarat visit Ballarat First Nations Events

For more information on National Reconciliation Week visit Reconciliation Australia