National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is recognised annually from 27 May to 3 June.
The week provides an important opportunity for Australians to come together and learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is a time to reflect on the past and explore ways we can contribute to a more inclusive future.
As a nation, we should consciously work towards reconciliation in all aspects of our lives. This will help us foster a society that values respectful relationships between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
For more information about reconciliation efforts, please visit Reconciliation Australia's website. During National Reconciliation Week in 2025, 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.
Theme – 'Bridging Now to Next'
'Bridging Now to Next' urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.
In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one but one that includes both great strides and disappointing setbacks. Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in 'Bridging Now to Next' – building a more united and respectful nation.
Corroboree 2000 and the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk were significant events in our long journey and our determination to continue that journey towards a reconciled Australia and justice for First Nations peoples is unstoppable.
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 was bathed in either red and yellow or green and blue to represent the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
2025 NRW Program
NRW Blak History Challenge
Available from Tuesday 27 May – 3 June
Online
Join the Blak History Challenge for your chance to win a Garmin Smartwatch, NRW T-shirts and more! UQ students are invited to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage by visiting two of six cultural sites at St Lucia, snapping selfies and sharing them on Instagram by tagging the Library (@uniofqldlibrary) and include the #UQBLAKhistory25. Start your journey and share your story.
Online
Join the Blak History Challenge for your chance to win a Garmin Smartwatch, NRW T-shirts and more! UQ students are invited to explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage by visiting two of six cultural sites at St Lucia, snapping selfies and sharing them on Instagram by tagging the Library (@uniofqldlibrary) and include the #UQBLAKhistory25. Start your journey and share your story.
Stories through time: Living cultures, enduring connections
Various dates and times (Tuesday May 27 - Tuesday June 3)
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building St Lucia
Join UQ Anthropology Museum staff for a guided tour of Stories through time: Living cultures, enduring connections.
(Photo: Untitled 2010. Irene Mbitjana Entata (1946-2014) Arrernte. UQ Anthropology Museum Collection)
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building St Lucia
Join UQ Anthropology Museum staff for a guided tour of Stories through time: Living cultures, enduring connections.
(Photo: Untitled 2010. Irene Mbitjana Entata (1946-2014) Arrernte. UQ Anthropology Museum Collection)
Blak Markets
Tuesday 27 May, 11am - 2pm
Campbell Place, St Lucia
Blak Markets will be returning to the St Lucia campus for National Reconciliation Week. Come support First Nations market stalls, artists and businesses, including the Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Swap and Cultural Weaving with Auntie Jeannine. There's something for everyone to get involved and learn more about the the journey to reconciliation.
Campbell Place, St Lucia
Blak Markets will be returning to the St Lucia campus for National Reconciliation Week. Come support First Nations market stalls, artists and businesses, including the Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Swap and Cultural Weaving with Auntie Jeannine. There's something for everyone to get involved and learn more about the the journey to reconciliation.
Great Book Swap, St Lucia
Tuesday 27 May, 11am - 2pm
Campbell Place (as a stall holder at the Blak Markets)
We're holding a Great Book Swap to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to provide books and learning resources to children living in remote Communities across Australia. This year the ILF are aiming raise $150,000 to gift 15,000 new books to remote Communities. Show your support by making a donation to our Great Book Swap page and sharing it with your friends, family, colleagues and community!
Campbell Place (as a stall holder at the Blak Markets)
We're holding a Great Book Swap to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to provide books and learning resources to children living in remote Communities across Australia. This year the ILF are aiming raise $150,000 to gift 15,000 new books to remote Communities. Show your support by making a donation to our Great Book Swap page and sharing it with your friends, family, colleagues and community!
'These Entanglements: Ecology After Nature' Exhibition
Tuesday 27 - Friday 30 May, 10am - 4pm daily
UQ Art Museum
Explore the interconnection between ecology and social systems through Indigenous art, highlighting strategies for survival and cultural healing. (Photo: Rosella Namok Old Girls Yarning into the Night 2024. UQ Art Museum Window Commission, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and FireWorks Gallery, Brisbane, by Joe Ruckli)
UQ Art Museum
Explore the interconnection between ecology and social systems through Indigenous art, highlighting strategies for survival and cultural healing. (Photo: Rosella Namok Old Girls Yarning into the Night 2024. UQ Art Museum Window Commission, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and FireWorks Gallery, Brisbane, by Joe Ruckli)
From Fire to Flood: Bridging Sea and Story for the Next Generation
Tuesday 27 May, 11am - 2pm
Online
Join the UQ Poche Centre for our Seminar Series with speaker Ann-Maree Long, presenting "From Fire to Flood: Bridging Sea and Story for the Next Generation", A Reconciliation Journey Aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Ann-Maree Long (she/her) is a proud Badjala, Woppaburra yeeran (woman) living and working in MaganDjin within digital inclusion, mentoring and weaving for healing.
Online
Join the UQ Poche Centre for our Seminar Series with speaker Ann-Maree Long, presenting "From Fire to Flood: Bridging Sea and Story for the Next Generation", A Reconciliation Journey Aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Ann-Maree Long (she/her) is a proud Badjala, Woppaburra yeeran (woman) living and working in MaganDjin within digital inclusion, mentoring and weaving for healing.
Wik Kath Min (Aurukun Good Stories Project) - ISSR Lunchtime Seminar
Tuesday 27 May, 12pm - 1:30pm
1018-201 Seminar Room, Long Pocket
Roxanne McDonald and Aunty Phyllis Yunkaporta will present on the Mik Kath Min (The Good Story) Community Values Statement for Aurukun Shire Council.
1018-201 Seminar Room, Long Pocket
Roxanne McDonald and Aunty Phyllis Yunkaporta will present on the Mik Kath Min (The Good Story) Community Values Statement for Aurukun Shire Council.
Book Launch: Red Dust Running
Wednesday 28 May, 12:30pm-1:30pm,
Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre, St Lucia
Celebrate the launch of Professor Anita Heiss’ new book, Red Dust Running, with line dancing, a 'Voices for Reconciliation' choir performance, refreshments, and a prize for best Rodeo outfit!
Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre, St Lucia
Celebrate the launch of Professor Anita Heiss’ new book, Red Dust Running, with line dancing, a 'Voices for Reconciliation' choir performance, refreshments, and a prize for best Rodeo outfit!
ILF Book Stall, Herston
Wednesday 28 May, 11am - 1pm
Breezeway (Next to Dose Café), Herston
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Breezeway (Next to Dose Café), Herston
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
The Psychology of Bridging Now to Next
Wednesday May 28, 9am – 10am
Room S304, Social Sciences Building (24), St Lucia and online.
This interactive free workshop is appropriate for folks who are willing to learn some psychology and also to participate within the workshop to move towards more action and more effective action for Reconciliation in Australia. You do not have to have taken any action previously. This workshop is run by non-Indigenous psychologists.
Room S304, Social Sciences Building (24), St Lucia and online.
This interactive free workshop is appropriate for folks who are willing to learn some psychology and also to participate within the workshop to move towards more action and more effective action for Reconciliation in Australia. You do not have to have taken any action previously. This workshop is run by non-Indigenous psychologists.
What does Reconciliation ask of political science?
Wednesday 28 May, 3pm - 4:30pm
Room 213, Richards Building (05), St Lucia
All issues at play in working towards reconciliation between Indigenous Australian and Settler communities are deeply politicised. The panellists address the question of what political science has to learn, or is in the process of learning with regard to the work of reconciliation.
Room 213, Richards Building (05), St Lucia
All issues at play in working towards reconciliation between Indigenous Australian and Settler communities are deeply politicised. The panellists address the question of what political science has to learn, or is in the process of learning with regard to the work of reconciliation.
Interconnected Ecologies: Native Bee Futures with Dr Coen Hird
Thursday 29 May, 11am - 12:30pm
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building (9), St Lucia
Join us at the UQ Anthropology Museum with guest Dr Coen Hird, interdisciplinary biologist in conversation with curator Mandana Mapar. The one-hour program includes time spent with native stingless bees and their hives at UQ. Light lunch provided, registrations essential.
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building (9), St Lucia
Join us at the UQ Anthropology Museum with guest Dr Coen Hird, interdisciplinary biologist in conversation with curator Mandana Mapar. The one-hour program includes time spent with native stingless bees and their hives at UQ. Light lunch provided, registrations essential.
National Reconciliation Week Book Fair
Thursday 29 May, 11am - 2pm
Student Central (42), St Lucia
Discover new books while supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation through your purchase.
Student Central (42), St Lucia
Discover new books while supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation through your purchase.
Voices for Change: Solid Rock
Thursday May 29, 1pm – 2pm (followed by Afternoon Tea)
Oral Health Centre, Level 4 (Ground floor) Auditorium, Herston
Join us for an inspiring truth-telling reflection, “In their words” by the incredible duo Tayla Emmerson & Tachae Douglas-Miller BDSc (Hons) Goorie Berrimpa Student Representatives. Followed by Keynote Melinda from UQ’s RAP Network on UQ’s plans for reconciliation through the Stretch RAP and a 'Voices for Reconciliation' choir performance of ‘SOLID ROCK’. This event will conclude with an afternoon tea catered by Fig Jam & Co, held outside the Auditorium, under the Atrium, opposite Café Dose.
Oral Health Centre, Level 4 (Ground floor) Auditorium, Herston
Join us for an inspiring truth-telling reflection, “In their words” by the incredible duo Tayla Emmerson & Tachae Douglas-Miller BDSc (Hons) Goorie Berrimpa Student Representatives. Followed by Keynote Melinda from UQ’s RAP Network on UQ’s plans for reconciliation through the Stretch RAP and a 'Voices for Reconciliation' choir performance of ‘SOLID ROCK’. This event will conclude with an afternoon tea catered by Fig Jam & Co, held outside the Auditorium, under the Atrium, opposite Café Dose.
Lunchtime concert: Toni Janke
Thursday 29 May, 1pm - 2pm
Nickson Room (Room 434), Level 4, Zelman Cowen Building (51) St Lucia
In the spirit of reconciliation, join acclaimed Wuthathi, Meriam and Yadighana singer-songwriter Toni Janke for an afternoon of soulful tunes in the School of Music’s Nickson Room. Bookings not required. (Photo of Toni Janke by Joel Devereux)
Nickson Room (Room 434), Level 4, Zelman Cowen Building (51) St Lucia
In the spirit of reconciliation, join acclaimed Wuthathi, Meriam and Yadighana singer-songwriter Toni Janke for an afternoon of soulful tunes in the School of Music’s Nickson Room. Bookings not required. (Photo of Toni Janke by Joel Devereux)
ILF Book Stall, Gatton
Thursday 29 May, 11am - 1pm
Central Walkway (Outside Walkway Café), Gatton
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Central Walkway (Outside Walkway Café), Gatton
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
SOLD OUT: Murri Trivia
Thursday 29 May, 6pm - 8pm
Viewpoint (Building 33) St Lucia
Join UQ's National Reconciliation Week flagship quiz event to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and promote a more inclusive campus.
Viewpoint (Building 33) St Lucia
Join UQ's National Reconciliation Week flagship quiz event to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and promote a more inclusive campus.
Bridging the Gap and Bringing People Closer
Monday 2 June, 9am – 12pm
Mary Emelia Mayne Room (Mayne Medical School) and Reconciliation Garden, Herston
Join us for an enriching session where we will yarn about how we can bridge the gap, bring people closer and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Led by Condy Canuto (Senior Lecturer in Public Health, School of Public Health) and featuring Dr Tamara Pereira from UQ Research Ethics and Integrity and a community guest speaker, the discussion culminates with a visit to the Reconciliation Garden for a showcase of art created by Craig Carson (Senior Community Engagement Officer, School of Public Health). The artwork to be showcased is related to First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research (FNCWR) Program demonstrating the vital connection between art, reconciliation, and community programs. Guests can then connect, reflect and network in over morning tea.
Mary Emelia Mayne Room (Mayne Medical School) and Reconciliation Garden, Herston
Join us for an enriching session where we will yarn about how we can bridge the gap, bring people closer and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Led by Condy Canuto (Senior Lecturer in Public Health, School of Public Health) and featuring Dr Tamara Pereira from UQ Research Ethics and Integrity and a community guest speaker, the discussion culminates with a visit to the Reconciliation Garden for a showcase of art created by Craig Carson (Senior Community Engagement Officer, School of Public Health). The artwork to be showcased is related to First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research (FNCWR) Program demonstrating the vital connection between art, reconciliation, and community programs. Guests can then connect, reflect and network in over morning tea.
Learning from the past; shaping the future: Truth Telling in education
Monday 2 June, 11am – 1pm
Room 603, Social Sciences building (24), St Lucia
Join the School of Education for this National Reconciliation Week panel discussion event, "Learning from the past, shaping the future: Truth Telling in Education".
Our distinguished panel comprises: Aunty Denise Proud, Uncle Bill Lowah, Walters Nkemfack and Associate Professor Katelyn Barney.
Room 603, Social Sciences building (24), St Lucia
Join the School of Education for this National Reconciliation Week panel discussion event, "Learning from the past, shaping the future: Truth Telling in Education".
Our distinguished panel comprises: Aunty Denise Proud, Uncle Bill Lowah, Walters Nkemfack and Associate Professor Katelyn Barney.
Indigenous 3MT Competition - Smart. Fast. Deadly
Tuesday 3 June, 2pm - 5pm
Room 101, Abel Smith Learning Theatre (23), St Lucia
See Indigenous HDR candidates present their research in 3 minutes to a non-specialist audience. Join to support and learn!
Room 101, Abel Smith Learning Theatre (23), St Lucia
See Indigenous HDR candidates present their research in 3 minutes to a non-specialist audience. Join to support and learn!
Home As Country | 2025 Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture
Tuesday 3 June, 12pm - 1pm
Zelman Cowen Building (51), St Lucia
See Architecture students present their work for the Home 2025 Venice Biennale, exploring Indigenous-led curriculum and concepts of home.
Zelman Cowen Building (51), St Lucia
See Architecture students present their work for the Home 2025 Venice Biennale, exploring Indigenous-led curriculum and concepts of home.
ILF Book Stall, Dutton Park
Tuesday 3 June, 11am - 1pm
InnerSPACE, Dutton Park
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
InnerSPACE, Dutton Park
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Book Club: "Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams)" by Professor Anita Heiss
UQ Research Fellow Diane Maresco-Pennisi invites you to join her in reading and discussing a wonderful novel by UQ First Nations author Professor Anita Heiss entitled "Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray", which means "river of dreams". Contact Diane to express your interest in participating in the book club and attending the "Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray" book discussion event, scheduled for the last week of June. Prefer to listen to an audio book? "Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray" available as an audiobook via Audible.
Core Cultural Competency Study Groups
Various sessions provided in-person and online
(See registration link for times and locations)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning aims to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capability of organisations and employees at all levels. UQ requires all staff to have completed Modules 1 and 2 of the ten Core Competency modules. Study Group sessions have been scheduled for those of us who require a first commitment of time to encourage their learning, and for those who prefer to learn in a group setting.
(See registration link for times and locations)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning aims to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capability of organisations and employees at all levels. UQ requires all staff to have completed Modules 1 and 2 of the ten Core Competency modules. Study Group sessions have been scheduled for those of us who require a first commitment of time to encourage their learning, and for those who prefer to learn in a group setting.