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
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 Program
Please note: More events to be added to the program soon.
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.
The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading locally, learn more about Indigenous languages and culture, and raise funds for a great cause. 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, St Lucia
Blak Markets will be returning to the St Lucia campus for National Reconciliation Week.
Stallholders include:
- ILF Book Swap
- Murrorong Aboriginal Jewellery
- Glass Art Dreaming
- UQ Press
and more!
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.
Viewpoint, 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.
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!
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. Photo: Joe Ruckli)
Central Walkway - Outside Walkway Café, Gatton
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Abel Smith Learning Theatre (23-101), St Lucia
See Indigneous HDR candidates present their research in 3 minutes to a non-specialist audience. Join to support and learn!
InnerSPACE, Dutton Park
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Student Central, St Lucia
Discover new books while supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation through your purchase.
Breezeway - Next to Dose Café, Herston
Visit the ILF Book Stall and buy a book to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Nickson Room (Room 434), Level 4, Zelman Cowen Building (Bld. 51)
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)
Social Sciences Building (24), Room S304 (also offered online via Zoom)
All are welcome! 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.
Zelman Cowen Building (Bld 51), St Lucia
See Architecture students present their work for the Home 2025 Venice Biennale, exploring Indigenous-led curriculum and concepts of home.
(Tuesday May 27, Wednesday May 28, Friday May 30, Monday June 2 and Tuesday June 3)
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building St Lucia
In the spirit of considering the 2025 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme, Bridging Now to Next, which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, please join UQ Anthropology Museum staff for a guided tour of Stories through time: Living cultures, enduring connections.
Image: Untitled 2010. Irene Mbitjana Entata (1946-2014) Arrernte. UQ Anthropology Museum Collection
UQ Anthropology Museum Level 1, Michie Building, St Lucia
In the spirit of considering the 2025 National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme, Bridging Now to Next, which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, join us at the UQ Anthropology Museum with guest Dr Coen Hird, interdisciplinary biologist in conversation with curator Mandana Mapar.
Coen works increasingly at the interface of Indigenous and Western scientific ways of knowing, drawing on his training in ecology and animal physiology to ask critical questions about environmental science and the responsibilities of scientists working with non-human or more-than-human kin. He will share some of his work on native stingless bees, and discuss their cultural and ecological importance.
This public program is held in conjunction with National Reconciliation Week, as we value and celebrate the uniqueness of knowledges, culture, histories and languages that have been created and shared for millennia.
The one-hour program includes time spent with native stingless bees and their hives at UQ.
Light lunch provided, registrations essential.