National Reconciliation Week 2024
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 dates for NRW remain the same each year: 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
The NRW theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People will—and must—continue.
National Sorry Day | Sunday 26 May
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who were forcibly removed under race-based policies set up by both State and Federal Governments from 1910 to the 1970s. On this day we acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process.
Author talk – Shelley Ware | Monday 27 May
Where: Sam Merrifield Library
When: Monday 27 May, 7pm-8pm
Shelley Ware will discuss the journey towards reconciliation, emphasising the vital role each of us plays in building cultures. Book via the Libraries.
Documentary screening – Returning our Ancestors | Wednesday 29 May
Where: Clocktower Centre
When: Wednesday 29 May, 1pm-2:30pm
Reconciliation Victoria in partnership with Moonee Valley City Council will be screening the documentary Returning our Ancestors at the Clocktower Theatre. Moonee Valley resident and respected Gunditjmara Elder, Uncle Jim Berg, played a pivotal role in bringing this documentary to life and also co-authored The Power and the Passion, Our Ancestors Return Home with Shannon Faulkhead. This is a free event for the community with tickets available via the Clocktower Centre.
Reconciliation Victoria Maggolee Awards | Thursday 30 May
Reconciliation Victoria will host the 2024 Maggolee Awards at Djerring Flemington Hub, recognising Victorian local governments working in partnership with First Peoples to support self-determination, advance reconciliation, and strengthen shared decision making with First Peoples. Moonee Valley was an award winner at the inaugural awards in 2023 for Bagarru Bagarru Djerring (Shoulder to Shoulder Together) Reconciliation Plan 2022-2025.
Mabo Day | Monday 3 June
On Mabo Day we recognise the resilience of Mer Island man Eddie Kioki Mabo and his battle to have the legal fiction of terra nullius overturned by the High Court of Australia.
Author talk – John Morrissey, ‘Firelight’ | Monday 3 June
Where: Flemington Library
When: Monday 3 June, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Award-winning author John Morrissey investigates colonialism, identity, and experiences of First Peoples in his remarkable debut collection of short stories, ‘Firelight’. Book via the Libraries.