National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week
Talking about lived experience for people who have experienced discrimination, particularly intersectionality, can generate unwanted thoughts and feelings. If you are experiencing this, please make sure you prioritise your wellbeing. Talk to a colleague, friend, family member; someone who makes you feel safe. Alternatively, the Employee Assistance Program (Converge) can be accessed by calling 1800 060 650. You can also call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Use these resources to help you plan an event for National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.
National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day on May 26 marks the day that the landmark ‘Bringing them Home’ report was tabled in federal Parliament in 1997.
It is a time to remember the past policies of forced child removal and reflect on the sad and painful stories of the Stolen Generations. It is a time to recognise the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the power of saying Sorry.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week 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 Week runs from 27 May to 3 June every year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
Mabo Day
Mabo Day is held yearly on June 3, commemorating the successful overturning of the legal concept of terra nullius or ‘land belonging to no-one’ in 1992, following a 10-year legal case led by activist Eddie Mabo.
This recognised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander occupation of Australia, acknowledged their rights to their land and waters, and paved the way for native title in Australia.
This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week
The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'Now More Than Ever!' It reminds us of the urgency and importance of working together to advance reconciliation. It is a call to work together to create a more just and inclusive society.
2024: Activities and Resources
This year, Senior Executive will take part in Everyone’s Business. This is cultural capability training developed for the NSW public sector. It is designed to help us understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and how past policies and practices continue to affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities today. Through this training, NSW public sector employees will learn how to support and build culturally safe workplaces and services across NSW.
To mark NRW, we're planning several activities and events in which we hope you'll participate.
Any of the recorded events will be available to watch or re-watch on demand in our resource section.
| Time and Date | Event or Resource |
|---|---|
The Narragunnawali platform has activities that will support students to explore the meaning and purpose of this year’s theme Now More Than Ever. Resources for students: The Narragunnawali platform is free to join and acces. |
|
Monday 27 May Available from 8:30 am |
Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in schools roundtable video Roundtable discussion with:
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Monday 27 May Available from 8:30 am |
Best Practice in Reconciliation: Leadership roundtable video Roundtable discussion with:
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Wednesday 29 May 7:30 am – 9:00 am |
Reconciliation NSW’s 2024 National Reconciliation Week Virtual Breakfast Access link will be provided on Tuesday 28 May. |
We encourage you to join in these events, learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, and reflect on ways to contribute to reconciliation both within and outside our workplace.
Teams Background
- Download the 2024 National Reconciliation Week Teams Background
Join the conversation
Everyone in the department is welcome to join the Viva Engage ‘Reconciliation Action Plan Group’ - a great place to join in the conversation around reconciliation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders employees are warmly invited to join the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Network; contact Tamara.Saunders1@det.nsw.edu.au
For other queries, please contact: rap@det.nsw.edu.au.