This year’s National Reconciliation Week invites us to to honour the history that shapes us all, and to build a path forward. The 2025 theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” challenges us to see reconciliation as an ongoing journey that requires dedication, courage, and action today.
Reconciliation is urgent. It calls on all of us to stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the fight for justice, sovereignty, and true equality. It means confronting racism wherever it exists, listening deeply to First Nations voices, and working towards meaningful change — in treaty, truth-telling, education, and beyond.
The work is far from over, but each step taken brings us closer to a more just and connected future. This year, National Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3. Below, discover how you can join the movement, learn, and contribute to this essential journey across the country.
NSW
Discover four works by Gumbaynggir and Bundjalung artist Charmaine Davis, on display at Brookfield Place, Sydney, until June 20. Charmaine’s practice includes repurposing textile materials such as netted curtains and fresh produce bags into intricate stencils, to produce painting works that explore ancestral links, family, identity, and community.
Through a partnership between the Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW and the Justice and Equity Centre, the Towards Truth Exhibition features detailed explanations of the laws and policies that have impacted Aboriginal people in NSW since 1788. You can explore the exhibition at the Hurstville Library on Bidjigal country from 7 May until 1 June.
Celebrating First Nations artists living on Yuin Country
Discover the works of a series of Indigenous artists living on Yuin Country at Spiral Gallery Bega, from 16 May until 11 June.
VIC
‘Lipwurrunga’ exhibition by Les Huddleston
From April 30 until June 14, a showcase Les Huddleston’s life and work will be on display at Town Hall Gallery in Hawthorn. The exhibition is a celebration of tradition and a step forward in Australia’s reconciliation journey, via a vivid tribute to the landscapes, the wonders of nature and traditional stories of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
The Torch will present its sixteenth annual 'Confined 'exhibition, featuring artworks by 400 First Nations artists whose lives have been impacted by the criminal legal system in Victoria. In addition to paintings, the exhibition will feature weavings created during women’s circles, didgeridoos innovatively made from matchsticks, carved emu eggs illuminated by light as well as hand-tufted rugs expressing Country and the land on which we walk. Discover the works until June 22, at Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Hawthorn.
Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, and gain insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia through a journey of native plants within the Gardens. These tours will be held free of charge during Reconciliation Week.
QLD
Tony Albert’s ‘River Ritual’ Outdoor Gallery Art Projection
Brisbane’s laneways will be transformed by a series of projections of over 200 artworks by local, national and internationally renowned artists. Discover the exhibition at the Howard Smith Wharves until June 9.
WA
'Best Moments On Country' photography exhibition
Discover works from local photographers, who were tasked with lensing their best moments on country, on display at the Museum of Geraldton from 9 May until 9 June.
For this exhibition, local artists were invited to reflect on reconciliation. The result is a series of diverse perspectives told through community and individual projects, each one telling a different story of culture, history, and connection to country.
SA
Aluni Manta Nyangatja Art at Bird in Hand Winery
ACT
First Nations Experiences of Democracy Tour
Each day during Reconciliation Week, you can attend a tour to hear how First Nations Australians have created change in Australia's political landscape. Leaving daily at 11am, you will visit heritage spaces including the Prime Minister’s Office and the Senate Chamber and learn about the contributions of activists like Wenten Rubuntja, Charlie Perkins and Faith Bandler.
Reconciliation Week Highlights Tour
The National Portrait Gallery will host a free Reconciliation Week highlights tour every day from 1pm-1:45pm, showcasing the works and portraits of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on display.
