National Reconciliation Week is held every year from May 27 to June 3. It recognises that reconciliation is not a moment in time, but an ongoing commitment; one that calls for reflection, honesty and action by all Australians.
National Reconciliation Week marks two important events in Australia’s history, the 1967 referendum held on May 27 and the 1992 Mabo decision on June 3.
The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to amend the Constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the federal government to make laws on their behalf.
The 1992 Mabo decision recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to their land (rights that existed long before colonisation but were not recognised). The Mabo case successfully showed that at the time of colonisation, Australia was not ‘terra nullius’.
While these moments were steps forward in reconciliation, there is still great need for relationship building between individuals, communities, and institutions to create a more equitable and fair future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Bridging Now to Next
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is ‘Bridging Now to Next’. It reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future and calls us to stand up against racism and inequality.
‘Bridging Now to Next’ reminds us that to achieve reconciliation, Australians need to commit to continued effort and listen deeply to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, both now and in the future.
In a time when progress can feel uncertain, this theme encourages us not to step back, but to step forward, together.
There are many ways to take a step forward and be involved in National Reconciliation Week. You can:
- Learn more about the history and ongoing impacts of colonisation in Australia
- Promote culturally respectful practices within your workplace or training environment
- Support First Nations organisations and businesses
- Participate in local events or educational sessions
- Encourage open, honest conversations about truth-telling and systemic change
Now more than ever, it’s time to stand up, speak out, and walk forward together.
Reconciliation in healthcare
At Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS), we recognise that reconciliation is not a moment in time, but an ongoing commitment. Reconciliation calls for reflection, honesty and action across all sectors, including healthcare education and training.
For JCTS, reconciliation has a direct link to the work we do. As a national provider of cultural education and mentorship, we understand that cultural respect and cultural safety are fundamental to delivering effective healthcare.
Training that incorporates First Nations perspectives is essential. It helps address systemic barriers, builds trust between practitioners and patients, and contributes to better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This means listening, learning and being willing to change how we teach, train, and support GP and GP registrars.