Recognising National Reconciliation Week

It's National Reconciliation Week - a time to learn, acknowledge, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.

The annual fixture provides us with a moment to unite our country in achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The week is held from 27 May until 3 June and this year's theme is Be a Voice for Generations, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine says the theme calls on Australians to honour the work of generations past who fought for justice in Australia.

“There has long been a strong thread in Australian history of people striving to build a just society,” she said. 

“Australian history has included many examples of non-First Nations Australians who stood with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during early strikes, protests and notably during the 1967 referendum.

“Australia has a long record of inspiring allyship and solidarity to address centuries of racism and injustice.

“This National Reconciliation Week we urge all Australians to follow in this tradition to ‘Be a voice for generations’, while also imagining a better country for future generations.” 

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is encouraging everyone to get involved in recognising this significant and meaningful week.

Staff came together on Tuesday 30 May for a special Reconciliation Week Liturgy and reflection. See how it unfolded in this video.

Hear more from a representative of the Diocese's Reconciliation RAP Reference Group and CatholicCare team member Jason Smith in the video below.

Resources

  • Grab a copy of the upcoming edition of Aurora and read more about our reconciliation work across the Diocese. It will be available from 3 June.

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook.