National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is recognised annually from 27 May to 3 June.
The week is an important opportunity for Australians to come together and learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is a time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
For more information about reconciliation efforts, please visit Reconciliation Australia's website. During National Reconciliation Week in 2026, many teams across UQ will organise events for staff and students.
We invite you to explore reconciliation at UQ, view our events program below, and join us in supporting this important initiative and working towards a better Australia.
For any questions or queries, please contact the UQ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team at uqrap@uq.edu.au or Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Events team at Indigenousengagementevents@uq.edu.au.
Theme – 'All In'
All In is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.
The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.
Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.
The #NRW2026 campaign was created in collaboration with Carbon Creative, a First Nations-owned and operated marketing and creative agency.
The artwork for this campaign is by renowned Gumbaynggirr / Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey, who applied his distinctive style to create a colourful and optimistic visual representation of people from all walks of life being ‘all in’ to make change.
Days of Significance
On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent said ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote. It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history.
Mabo Day is marked annually on 3 June. It commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Following the Mabo decision, Australia’s Federal Parliament passed the Native Title Act 1993 which established a legal framework for native title claims throughout Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Lighting of Forgan Smith
Throughout National Reconciliation Week, UQ's Forgan Smith building is bathed in either red and yellow or green and blue to represent the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
NRW Program 2026
Wednesday 27 May - Tuesday 3 June
TRI (floor 2 outside the elevators), UQ CCR
UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Sam Nettelfield announces the UQ First Nations Book Club, celebrating novels by First Nations authors. Everyone is invited to submit 2-4 sentence reviews on any First Nations’ novels they’ve read to spark discussion. Reviews will be displayed during Reconciliation Week. To participate or join, email s.nettelfield@uq.edu.au. All are welcome to read, reflect and connect.
TRI (floor 2 outside the elevators), UQ CCR
UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Sam Nettelfield announces the UQ First Nations Book Club, celebrating novels by First Nations authors. Everyone is invited to submit 2-4 sentence reviews on any First Nations’ novels they’ve read to spark discussion. Reviews will be displayed during Reconciliation Week. To participate or join, email s.nettelfield@uq.edu.au. All are welcome to read, reflect and connect.
Wednesday 27 May - Wednesday 3 June, St Lucia
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week by exploring UQ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage through an interactive campus challenge. Inspired by UQ Has a Blak History, students are invited to visit key reconciliation sites at St Lucia, reflect on their cultural significance, and share their experience on Instagram for a chance to win prizes. Running throughout NRW, participants can enter by visiting at least one featured location, taking a photo, and posting it with the required tags. An activation booth during workdays at Duhig Library will offer “All In” badge-making to encourage engagement throughout the week. 20 winners will be selected to receive themed prize packs.
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week by exploring UQ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage through an interactive campus challenge. Inspired by UQ Has a Blak History, students are invited to visit key reconciliation sites at St Lucia, reflect on their cultural significance, and share their experience on Instagram for a chance to win prizes. Running throughout NRW, participants can enter by visiting at least one featured location, taking a photo, and posting it with the required tags. An activation booth during workdays at Duhig Library will offer “All In” badge-making to encourage engagement throughout the week. 20 winners will be selected to receive themed prize packs.
Tea, treats and truth
Wednesday 27 May - Wednesday 3 June,
Science Learning Centre (67-240), St Lucia
Student Central (N.W. Briton Administration Annexe 8101A), Gatton
Science students and staff are invited to help yourself to free native flavoured tea and biscuits in the Science Learning Centre and Gatton Student Central. Test your knowledge of Indigenous history with an online quiz and you could win RAP merch!
Science Learning Centre (67-240), St Lucia
Student Central (N.W. Briton Administration Annexe 8101A), Gatton
Science students and staff are invited to help yourself to free native flavoured tea and biscuits in the Science Learning Centre and Gatton Student Central. Test your knowledge of Indigenous history with an online quiz and you could win RAP merch!
Wednesday 27 May - Wednesday 3 June,
St Lucia, Dutton Park, Gatton and Herston
The Library is hosting events to help you reflect on Indigenous allyship and taking practical actions for reconciliation. At St Lucia, explore our display featuring works from non-Indigenous allies and by and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and activists, and join the UQ Has a Blak History Challenge. At Dutton Park, Gatton and Herston, visit our quiet reflection spaces with resources to help you make a personal commitment.
St Lucia, Dutton Park, Gatton and Herston
The Library is hosting events to help you reflect on Indigenous allyship and taking practical actions for reconciliation. At St Lucia, explore our display featuring works from non-Indigenous allies and by and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and activists, and join the UQ Has a Blak History Challenge. At Dutton Park, Gatton and Herston, visit our quiet reflection spaces with resources to help you make a personal commitment.
UQ College Reconciliation Week Reflection Wall
Wednesday 27 May -- 19 June, St Lucia
Throughout NRW paper collection / ballot boxes will be placed in key locations around UQ College, including Building 14 and the UQ College Learning Centre (39a.231), inviting students and passers by to respond to the question “What does reconciliation mean to you?” on postcard-sized cards. From May 27 to June 2, paper collection / ballot boxes will be placed in key locations around UQ College, including Building 14 and the UQ College Learning Centre (39a.231), inviting students and passers by to respond to the question “What does reconciliation mean to you?” on postcard-sized cards. These responses are to be be collected in the boxes, with selected appropriate submissions displayed on Building 14 Level 3 foyer windows, alongside a display explaining the history and importance of National Reconciliation Week, including official National Reconciliation Week posters and multilingual materials to ensure the activity's accessibility to our diverse cohorts. On June 2 the ballot boxes will be removed, with the display remaining visible until June 19.
Throughout NRW paper collection / ballot boxes will be placed in key locations around UQ College, including Building 14 and the UQ College Learning Centre (39a.231), inviting students and passers by to respond to the question “What does reconciliation mean to you?” on postcard-sized cards. From May 27 to June 2, paper collection / ballot boxes will be placed in key locations around UQ College, including Building 14 and the UQ College Learning Centre (39a.231), inviting students and passers by to respond to the question “What does reconciliation mean to you?” on postcard-sized cards. These responses are to be be collected in the boxes, with selected appropriate submissions displayed on Building 14 Level 3 foyer windows, alongside a display explaining the history and importance of National Reconciliation Week, including official National Reconciliation Week posters and multilingual materials to ensure the activity's accessibility to our diverse cohorts. On June 2 the ballot boxes will be removed, with the display remaining visible until June 19.
Wednesday 27 May - 3 June, Daily, 11:30 am -12:00pm
UQ Anthropology Museum, St Lucia
Join the Anthropology Museum team for special daily guided tours of Shields: Design and functionality in conjunction with 2026 National Reconciliation Week (NRW). Discover some of the remarkable Aboriginal works of art and stories on display and explore our shared histories, cultural connections and achievements. This exhibition features 133 Australian shields from the collection of the Anthropology Museum exhibited alongside loaned shields from private collections and works by contemporary Aboriginal artists that have been influenced by traditional shield designs.
UQ Anthropology Museum, St Lucia
Join the Anthropology Museum team for special daily guided tours of Shields: Design and functionality in conjunction with 2026 National Reconciliation Week (NRW). Discover some of the remarkable Aboriginal works of art and stories on display and explore our shared histories, cultural connections and achievements. This exhibition features 133 Australian shields from the collection of the Anthropology Museum exhibited alongside loaned shields from private collections and works by contemporary Aboriginal artists that have been influenced by traditional shield designs.
Wednesday 27 May, 12 - 1.30pm
11A ModWest Building, St Lucia
Join our RAP network’s NRW “All In” event with Blake Stockton as we explore how to create a culturally safe space. In this presentation, Blake will explore the approach taken within the Business School and how to create culturally safe learning environments where Indigenisation and critical thinking work together to develop rigorous and measurable outcomes. This NRW event invites our UQ community to listen, learn, reflect, and act — all in — by engaging with ideas that foster understanding, respect, and reconciliation.
11A ModWest Building, St Lucia
Join our RAP network’s NRW “All In” event with Blake Stockton as we explore how to create a culturally safe space. In this presentation, Blake will explore the approach taken within the Business School and how to create culturally safe learning environments where Indigenisation and critical thinking work together to develop rigorous and measurable outcomes. This NRW event invites our UQ community to listen, learn, reflect, and act — all in — by engaging with ideas that foster understanding, respect, and reconciliation.
Wednesday 27 May, 10 — 11:30am, St Lucia
BlackWords is a dedicated space within AustLit that records and makes accessible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writing and storytelling—from published literature to film, television, criticism, and scholarship. This National Reconciliation Week morning tea will introduce the resource and offer a practical orientation on how to use BlackWords in teaching, research, or independent exploration—demonstrating how it has been, and can be, an important tool and interactive platform for reconciliation.
BlackWords is a dedicated space within AustLit that records and makes accessible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writing and storytelling—from published literature to film, television, criticism, and scholarship. This National Reconciliation Week morning tea will introduce the resource and offer a practical orientation on how to use BlackWords in teaching, research, or independent exploration—demonstrating how it has been, and can be, an important tool and interactive platform for reconciliation.
Wednesday 27 May, 11:30am - 1:30pm
The Reconciliation Garden, Herston Campus
Set within The Reconciliation Garden, Herston Campus, this event offers the opportunity to pause, connect with your peers, and reflect on our shared responsibility to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Enjoy native sweets from FigJam & Co, a proud second‑generation Indigenous‑owned Brisbane business showcasing Australian native ingredients, and try hands‑on bracelet weaving and create your own Ngumpie bracelet. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch at the School of Public Health BBQ area and go in the draw to win a prize
The Reconciliation Garden, Herston Campus
Set within The Reconciliation Garden, Herston Campus, this event offers the opportunity to pause, connect with your peers, and reflect on our shared responsibility to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Enjoy native sweets from FigJam & Co, a proud second‑generation Indigenous‑owned Brisbane business showcasing Australian native ingredients, and try hands‑on bracelet weaving and create your own Ngumpie bracelet. Enjoy a free BBQ lunch at the School of Public Health BBQ area and go in the draw to win a prize
Wednesday 27 May, 2.30 - 4pm
The ES Meyers Lecture Theatre, Level 4, Mayne Medical School, Herston
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a keynote address by Jesse Williams in response to the 2026 NRW theme, All In. Drawing on lived experience, storytelling and reflection, the keynote will explore what allyship and reconciliation looks like in practice across community, health and justice settings and the role individuals and organisations play in creating meaningful, lasting change. The session will encourage honest conversation and deeper understanding, challenging attendees to consider how reconciliation can move beyond intention and symbolism into everyday action, accountability and systems change.
The ES Meyers Lecture Theatre, Level 4, Mayne Medical School, Herston
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a keynote address by Jesse Williams in response to the 2026 NRW theme, All In. Drawing on lived experience, storytelling and reflection, the keynote will explore what allyship and reconciliation looks like in practice across community, health and justice settings and the role individuals and organisations play in creating meaningful, lasting change. The session will encourage honest conversation and deeper understanding, challenging attendees to consider how reconciliation can move beyond intention and symbolism into everyday action, accountability and systems change.
Wednesday 27 May, 5:30 - 7:30pm, St Lucia
Murri Trivia is a fun, inclusive evening that’s all about connection, learning, and laughter. Whether you bring a team of up to 8 people, or just yourself, you’ll be part of a safe space to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and cultures. There will be delicious pub food to order, great company, and the chance to win some deadly prizes! (Please note that this is an 18+ event, and identification is required for entry.)
Murri Trivia is a fun, inclusive evening that’s all about connection, learning, and laughter. Whether you bring a team of up to 8 people, or just yourself, you’ll be part of a safe space to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and cultures. There will be delicious pub food to order, great company, and the chance to win some deadly prizes! (Please note that this is an 18+ event, and identification is required for entry.)
Thursday 28 May, 10am - 12pm
The Mary Emelia Mayne Room, Level 4, Mayne Medical School
Join us as we celebrate National Reconciliation Week with this Truth Telling and Treaty Panel Discussion led by Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA and Aunty Denise Proud. The conversation will centre on reconciliation, truth-telling and treaty, creating a reflective and respectful space to explore the importance of acknowledging lived experiences, shared histories and community and personal perspectives.
Guided by Professor Huggins AM FAHA and Aunty Professor Denise Proud's leadership and expertise, the discussion will examine how truth-telling plays a critical role in reconciliation - particularly in addressing historical and ongoing injustices, fostering understanding, and strengthening relationships between communities.
The Mary Emelia Mayne Room, Level 4, Mayne Medical School
Join us as we celebrate National Reconciliation Week with this Truth Telling and Treaty Panel Discussion led by Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA and Aunty Denise Proud. The conversation will centre on reconciliation, truth-telling and treaty, creating a reflective and respectful space to explore the importance of acknowledging lived experiences, shared histories and community and personal perspectives.
Guided by Professor Huggins AM FAHA and Aunty Professor Denise Proud's leadership and expertise, the discussion will examine how truth-telling plays a critical role in reconciliation - particularly in addressing historical and ongoing injustices, fostering understanding, and strengthening relationships between communities.
Thursday 28 May, 11am – 12: 30pm
UQ Anthropology Museum, St Lucia
Join the Anthropology Museum team for a special event with artist Paul Bong in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week (NRW). Paul Bong is a descendant of the Yidinji people, whose ancestral lands encompass the fertile rainforest region extending from Cairns in the north to Babinda in the south, and westward into the Atherton Tablelands as far as Kairi. In his practice, Bong integrates traditional Yidinji visual motifs with contemporary techniques, creating works in which each design is imbued with specific spiritual and cultural significance. The Yidinji shield, traditionally produced for ceremonial use and physical defence, holds profound cultural significance as a visual emblem of protection, authority, and resistance. Within Bong’s practice, the shield is reinterpreted and reactivated not as a historical artefact, but as a living form through which Yidinji sovereignty is asserted and sustained.
UQ Anthropology Museum, St Lucia
Join the Anthropology Museum team for a special event with artist Paul Bong in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week (NRW). Paul Bong is a descendant of the Yidinji people, whose ancestral lands encompass the fertile rainforest region extending from Cairns in the north to Babinda in the south, and westward into the Atherton Tablelands as far as Kairi. In his practice, Bong integrates traditional Yidinji visual motifs with contemporary techniques, creating works in which each design is imbued with specific spiritual and cultural significance. The Yidinji shield, traditionally produced for ceremonial use and physical defence, holds profound cultural significance as a visual emblem of protection, authority, and resistance. Within Bong’s practice, the shield is reinterpreted and reactivated not as a historical artefact, but as a living form through which Yidinji sovereignty is asserted and sustained.
Thursday 28 May, 12:30 - 1:30pm, St Lucia
Join Dr Allanah Hunt in conversation as she discusses her new release, Forever & Ever. After the discussion, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments provided by Heart to Harvest, and browse a selection of First Nations books at the Avid Reader Bookshop pop-up.
Join Dr Allanah Hunt in conversation as she discusses her new release, Forever & Ever. After the discussion, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments provided by Heart to Harvest, and browse a selection of First Nations books at the Avid Reader Bookshop pop-up.
Let the Language Speak: A Journey into Djukun
Thursday 28 May, 2:30 - 4:30pm,
80-2.143 - North Meeting Room, St Lucia
This event is planned to be coordinated by Dr Zyta Ziora, UQ RAP Network Agent in the Indigenous Engagement, together with Ms Dishani Senaratne, a PhD candidate, from the School of Political Science & International Studies at the University of Queensland. The conversation will be centred on language revitalisation, exploring challenges, community efforts, and the significance of reclaiming Djukun for future generations. It will be facilitated by the invited guest, a UQ graduate, Jaala Ozies, a proud Djukun woman who recently published a children's book documenting 50 words in the Djukun language. This discussion examines how the Djukun language is deeply embedded in relationships to Country, identity, and collective memory. Rather than treating language as a neutral tool of communication, the session explores how Djukun encodes cultural knowledge, social values, and histories tied to land. It invites participants to reflect on how language sustains Indigenous worldviews and shapes a sense of belonging.
80-2.143 - North Meeting Room, St Lucia
This event is planned to be coordinated by Dr Zyta Ziora, UQ RAP Network Agent in the Indigenous Engagement, together with Ms Dishani Senaratne, a PhD candidate, from the School of Political Science & International Studies at the University of Queensland. The conversation will be centred on language revitalisation, exploring challenges, community efforts, and the significance of reclaiming Djukun for future generations. It will be facilitated by the invited guest, a UQ graduate, Jaala Ozies, a proud Djukun woman who recently published a children's book documenting 50 words in the Djukun language. This discussion examines how the Djukun language is deeply embedded in relationships to Country, identity, and collective memory. Rather than treating language as a neutral tool of communication, the session explores how Djukun encodes cultural knowledge, social values, and histories tied to land. It invites participants to reflect on how language sustains Indigenous worldviews and shapes a sense of belonging.
Goorie Goannas Jersey Presentation
Thursday 28 May, 3:30 - 4:40pm
Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre, UQ St Lucia Campus
A special milestone jersey presentation to the Goorie Goannas team, in celebration of 20 years at Indigenous Nationals and ahead of this year’s appearance at the Indigenous Nationals Games in Newcastle. Formalities to include a smoking ceremony, Torres Strait Islander dance performance, speeches from the DVCIE and past Goorie Goannas players.
Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre, UQ St Lucia Campus
A special milestone jersey presentation to the Goorie Goannas team, in celebration of 20 years at Indigenous Nationals and ahead of this year’s appearance at the Indigenous Nationals Games in Newcastle. Formalities to include a smoking ceremony, Torres Strait Islander dance performance, speeches from the DVCIE and past Goorie Goannas players.
Thursday 28 May, 5 - 7pm,
Zelman Cowen building 51-320, St Lucia
Join the School of Architecture Design and Planning for a National Reconciliation Week screening of of the film 'The Drovers Wife, the Legend of Molly Johnson'.
"In the Snowy Mountains, Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned. A searing reimagining of Leah Purcell's play and Henry Lawson's classic short story." -- Screen Australia
Zelman Cowen building 51-320, St Lucia
Join the School of Architecture Design and Planning for a National Reconciliation Week screening of of the film 'The Drovers Wife, the Legend of Molly Johnson'.
"In the Snowy Mountains, Hell hath no fury like a mother scorned. A searing reimagining of Leah Purcell's play and Henry Lawson's classic short story." -- Screen Australia
Thursday 28 May, 5:30 - 7pm
Michie Building (9), Writers Studio Room 612, St Lucia
This is a chance for SCA staff, and literature-lovers across UQ, to discuss Wiradjuri woman Tara June Winch's masterful novel THE YIELD (Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Award), in an inclusive, book-club style format. "Profoundly moving and exquisitely written, Tara June Winch’s THE YIELD is the story of a people and a culture dispossessed. But it is as much a celebration of what was and what endures, and a powerful reclaiming of Indigenous language, storytelling and identity." This book club event is hosted by Dr Tom Doig on behalf of the SCA's Indigenous Engagement Committee.
Michie Building (9), Writers Studio Room 612, St Lucia
This is a chance for SCA staff, and literature-lovers across UQ, to discuss Wiradjuri woman Tara June Winch's masterful novel THE YIELD (Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Award), in an inclusive, book-club style format. "Profoundly moving and exquisitely written, Tara June Winch’s THE YIELD is the story of a people and a culture dispossessed. But it is as much a celebration of what was and what endures, and a powerful reclaiming of Indigenous language, storytelling and identity." This book club event is hosted by Dr Tom Doig on behalf of the SCA's Indigenous Engagement Committee.
Tuesday 2 June, 10:30am - 12:00pm, St Lucia
As part of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), the UQ Poche Centre invites you to a special Seminar Series event featuring some of Australia’s most respected leaders in reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights: Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, Professor Tom Calma AO, and moderator, The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
As part of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), the UQ Poche Centre invites you to a special Seminar Series event featuring some of Australia’s most respected leaders in reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights: Professor Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, Professor Tom Calma AO, and moderator, The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Tuesday 2 June, 11am - 2pm
Campbell Place, St Lucia
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week at our ILF Book Stall! Browse new and pre loved books by Indigenous and non Indigenous authors and support Indigenous literacy. Can’t attend on the day? You can still support the cause by making a donation via this link.
Campbell Place, St Lucia
Celebrate National Reconciliation Week at our ILF Book Stall! Browse new and pre loved books by Indigenous and non Indigenous authors and support Indigenous literacy. Can’t attend on the day? You can still support the cause by making a donation via this link.
Tuesday 2 June, 11am - 2pm
Campbell Place, St Lucia
Join us at the NRW Indigenous Markets at UQ, where you can learn about and support Indigenous culture through a range of engaging activities. Enjoy live music, browse through and support Indigenous-owned market stalls, indulge in local Indigenous food, and try out cultural workshops. All students and staff are encouraged to attend!
Campbell Place, St Lucia
Join us at the NRW Indigenous Markets at UQ, where you can learn about and support Indigenous culture through a range of engaging activities. Enjoy live music, browse through and support Indigenous-owned market stalls, indulge in local Indigenous food, and try out cultural workshops. All students and staff are encouraged to attend!