National Reconciliation Week is an annual event which always falls on the dates of 27 May to 3 June. These dates mark two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: The 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision, respectively. National Sorry Day is also acknowledged on 26 May.
The 2021 theme is : More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
The following events are being held locally
Banyule
Banyule City Council have a number of events listed on their website.
Nillumbik
The Nillumbik Reconciliation Group have postponed their event.
Whittlesea
On 31 May, Whittlesea Community Connections are hosting a free Reconciliation BBQ.
Also on 31 May, there will be a film screening of Before 1770 at Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre, South Morang.
Ivanhoe, Rosanna and Watsonia libraries are also hosting storytime and craft sessions for children during National Reconciliation Week. Check our events calendar for details.
Learn More
- ANTaR
- AWAYE! Podcast via the ABC
- Deadly Story
- VACCA Cultural Hub
- Koorie Heritage Trust digital programming space
From our Collection
View a number of films and documentaries on our Kanopy and Beamafilm platforms including:
- Crocodile Dreaming, 2006: the story of two estranged brothers played by Indigenous actors David Gulpilil and Tom Lewis.
- Ten Canoes, 2005: A story of the people of the Arafura swamp, in their language set before the coming of the white man.
- Putuparri and the rainmakers: this film spans 20 transformative years in the life of Tom "Putuparri" Lawford as he navigates the deep chasm between his Western upbringing and his determination to keep his traditional culture alive.
- Bran Nue Dae, 1991 (available via Beamafilm or DVD): It is 1969, a young man runs away from his boarding school, meeting characters along the way to his journey back home to Broome, Western Australia. This film is a mix of drama, comedy and music.
- Blackfellas, 1993 via Kanopy: Based on the novel The Day of the Dog, this film tells the story of Doug, an Aboriginal man caught between his allegiance to his family and community and his aspirations for a better life.
- The Apology to the Stolen Generations of Australia, 2008 Via Kanopy. The apology in Federal Parliament to the Stolen Generations of Australia, by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on 13 February 2008.
- In a League of their own, 2009 via Kanopy. Follows the fortunes of the first all-Aboriginal Australian Rules Football team to enter a mainstream AFL – affiliated competition.
View more on our Curated list for Reconciliation Week featured on the catalogue
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