National Reconciliation Week takes place every year from the 27 May to the 3 June, it is a week to embrace, celebrate and reflect on the milestones of Australia's reconciliation journey.
This year's theme of “Bridging Now to Next” highlights the non-linear nature of Australia’s progress towards reconciliation, acknowledging the significant strides forward, along with the setbacks.
Reconciliation Week commemorates two important dates – the successful 1967 referendum (27 May), and the High Court Mabo decision (3 June). You can read more about this year's Reconciliation Australia theme here.
“Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.”
- Reconciliation Australia
YPRL has a range of events taking place across our branches for Reconciliation Week 2025, there's still time to book a place for the following programs!
Chat and Craft, Tuesday 3 June, 9.30am—11.30am at Lalor Library
Tara, educator and First Nations ally, will lead a discussion about First Nations culture and how we can be allies. While chatting you can also try making ally sticks. Ally Sticks are a fun and beautiful way to be creative and show support. Sticks are decorated with coloured thread, and natural items like feathers and leaves. You can display them anywhere - they really brighten up your garden!
Mabo: Life of an Island Man – Special Film Screening, Tuesday 3 June, 6.30pm—8.30pm at Watsonia Library
In celebration of National Reconciliation Week, join Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries and Banyule City Council in hosting a special screening of Mabo - Life of an Island Man.
Resources & Reading for Reconciliation Week:
Everyone has an important role to play in the progress towards meaningful reconciliation.
One accessible way we are all able to deepen our knowledge, respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is by reading and listening to stories written by them!
We invite you to explore the Deadly Collection, which is a collection of books written by First Nations writers which are available at all YPRL branches.
If you're looking for more free resources to explore First Nations perspectives, expand your knowledge and connection to local communities, here are some great websites to have a look at:
- Indigenous.gov.au offers a regularly updated sight with articles to keep you informed about First Nations stories happening across the continent, as well as resources about grants aimed at providing funding opportunities across various sectors for First Nations Australians. You can also find an interactive map with featured communities to learn about their stories, languages, and culture.
- The Aboriginal Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies boasts a huge range of resources including Family History research advice and sources for people exploring their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, education materials such as curriculum resources for teachers, an e-learning suite, research publications, as well as a large catalogue of items relevant to First Nations heritage and culture – and more!
Need something to listen to on your commute, while doing chores, or on the go? Check out this amazing range of podcasts! There’s something for everyone on this list, whether your interest lies in exploring the diverse language groups across the country, diving into difficult conversations surrounding colonialism, or maybe listening to “Little Yarns” is your pace – where each episode will take you on a journey to a different Nation, ideal for listening to as a family, or in early learning centres!
Local Reconciliation Groups:
Find local updates, resources, events happening in your area and more through these groups: Reconciliation Banyule, Home - Nillumbik Reconciliation Group, Whittlesea Reconciliation Group | City of Whittlesea
Explore more events hosted by YPRL:
Tinker Time: Deadly Coding, Tuesday 3 June, 3.45pm—4.45pm
First Nations Storytime, Tuesday 10 June, 10.30am—11.00am
Reconciliation Banyule: Reading on Country, Tuesday 10 June, 6.30pm—8.00pm