National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week are pivotal events in Australia that address the country’s history of the treatment of our Indigenous populations. National Sorry Day, observed annually on May 26 since 1998, commemorates the suffering of the Stolen Generations—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families under government policies. This day encourages reflection, healing, and public acknowledgment of these historical injustices.
Following National Sorry Day, National Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3. It celebrates and promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The week begins with the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, which allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted in the census, and concludes with Mabo Day, which honors Eddie Mabo’s successful campaign for Indigenous land rights.
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue. There are a range of different activities and events taking place around Victoria both in the lead up to, during and after reconciliation week that you can participate in.
Thursday 23 May
- Join a Wurundjeri Elder and Yidaki Player who will be delivering a cleansing ceremony to respectfully acknowledge the resilience of the First Nations community who were impacted by the removal of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Children at West Heidelberg on 23 May.
- To mark Reconciliation Week, the Portland Arts Centre is hosting the first solo show of the work of Kellie Frankland-Saunders – proud Kilcarer Gunditj and Gilgar Gunditj Traditional Custodian of the Gunditjmara tribe who has been practising both traditional and contemporary art for over 25 years.
- First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, in partnership with First Nations Justice Wills and Merri-bek City Council, invite you to join them for a discussion panel and Q&A about the journey towards Treaty in Victoria in Coburg on 23 May .
Friday 24 May
- Experience art forms from renowned First Nations artists at 26 Advantage’s Reconciliation Week exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art, opening on 24 May and running until 12 June.
Saturday 25 May
- Mildura Rural City Council is partnering with the First Peoples of Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation a to host a special Cultural Event ahead of National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day. The event will feature arts and crafts, traditional food and cultural entertainment and will be held on Saturday 25 May at Rio Vista Park.
- Michael Long and The Long Walk Naarm 2024 returns to Melbourne to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the Yarra Park Gardens at the MCG on Saturday 25 May. There will be live music performed by some of Australia’s leading Indigenous artists, free sport and art activations for the family, and food trucks to keep everyone going. The event again concludes with the iconic Walk to the G, as part of the traditional Dreamtime AFL match between Essendon and Richmond.
Sunday 26 May
- Immerse yourself in an evening of cultural celebration at the City of Glen Era’s National Sorry Day event on 26 May, featuring an interactive performance by Djirri Djirri Dancers and engage in arts and crafts activities. The evening includes a Smoking Ceremony, followed by a Welcome to Country and an address from the Mayor.
- Hear from Coral Vass, author of the picture book Sorry Day, at the Melton library on 26 May as she talks about her work, the importance of saying sorry, and how we can become true allies to our First Nations communities.
- Whitehorse City Council’s National Sorry Day event is happening at the Civic Centre in Nunawading on 26 May.
- Mount Alexander Shire’s Sorry Day commemorative event at the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens on 26 May will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson. Guest speaker Uncle Ron Murray will offer his reflections on the day, and there will also be a performance by musical duo Kinja, with a barbecue to follow.
- Ballerrt Mooroop (strong spirit in Woi-wurrung language) is a culturally significant site in Glenroy, and place of great importance to First Nations People on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Countr. All are welcome to join for a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country for Ballerrt Mooroop Day on 26 May with lots of fun promised for the whole family.
Monday 27 May
- Learn about National Reconciliation Week at the Collingwood Children’s Farm from 27 May -3 June through educational crafts and storytime in the Barn, followed by a visit to the Birrarung Bank Restoration Site and First Nations gardens we manage in collaboration with the Narrap Rangers Unit.
- Join the Wurundjeri Elders, members of the Stolen Generations and the City of Whittlesea on 27 May for the annual Sorry Walk and a keynote address from Troy Austin, First Peoples’ Assembly Member (Treaty) for North Metro. Flags will fly at half-mast and a minute’s silence will be held to honour those who did not come home.
- Wyndham City’s Reconciliation Week event in Werribee on Monday 27 May will feature a free BBQ breakfast, flag raising, welcome to country, smoking ceremony, entertainment and more.
- There will be a flag raising ceremony at The Village Green in Bacchus Marsh on Monday 27 May, from 10am-11am with light refreshments available afterwards.
- Mount Alexander Shire’s National Reconciliation Week Launch in Castlemaine on Monday 27 May will be a commemorative event that will include tlaunch of Nicky Winmar’s book My Story: From Bush Kid to AFL Legend in conversation with Uncle Ron Murray.
Tuesday 28 May
- Maroondah Council and Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP) are presenting a special Reconciliation Week event on Tuesday 28 May in Ringwood Town Square followed by the opening of a MMIGP Mullum Market,with a range of First Peoples arts, crafts, merchandise and delicious bush tucker for sale.
- Journey on Wadawurrung Country is a sensory immersive cultural learning experience that shares images, life stories and sounds of Wadawurrung People and Country. You can see it at Grant Pavilion in Torquay from 28 May to 16 June.
Wednesday 29 May
- Gannawarra Shire Council, in partnership with Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Northern District Community Health and the Kerang Elders and Emerging Leader Group, have worked together to organise a morning of activities in Kerang on Wednesday, 29 May.
- Join in a First Nations Art Tour in Wyndham City on Wednesday 29 May This tour showcases artworks by First Nations people. Visit select artworks and activations located across Bunurong and Waddawurrung land.
- There will flag raising event at the Council Chambers in Ballan followed by light refreshments, and a special story-time at Ballan Library on 29 May.
- There’s a special performance by Pitjantjatjara and Mirning singer-songwriter Uncle Bart Willoughby held on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people at Mount Waverley Community Centre on 29 May. Experience this unique and powerful performer known for his fusion of reggae with traditional influences. As a member of the Stolen Generation, Uncle Bart’s music is incredibly moving and deeply rooted in personal and cultural heritage.
Friday 31 May
- The Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service honours Aboriginal service men and women, past and present. The event is held annually on 31 May at the Shrine of Remembrance.
- There’s a Reconciliation Week Concert on Friday, 31 May commencing outside the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre. There will be performances from incredible musicians Jayden Lillyst, Staycee Charles and a very special showcase from the Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn Dancers.
Saturday 1 June
- Banyule Council and Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place are holding a family day for National Reconciliation Week on 1 June. Take the whole family along for a range of fun activities and to learn what you can do to make a difference.
- Kulin Nation bushtukka woman Cassie Fisher-Patterson will host flora and fauna tours at Mallanbool Reserve in Murrumbeena on 1 June. Cassie will share her extensive knowledge of traditional and medicinal uses of native plants, and how to identify edible native plants.
- Celebrate Bunurong culture and Country, hear from Jillian West on reconciliation and be inspired by First People’s Assembly representative Zoe Upton’s insights on Treaty and how to be a supportive ally at a Reconciliation and Treaty Talk in Flinders on 1 June,
- Join a free 90-minute guided walking tour on Saturday 1 June with guest artists Thulli Mara (Woi-Wurrung, Boon Wurrung and Yuggera) and Stacey Payten (Wiradjuri) to celebrate First Peoples arts and culture in the Ringwood arts precinct during Reconciliation Week.
- Join a guided Walk on Country to mark the Kulin Nation season of Perrin/Deep Winter at Altona Coastal Park on 1 June.
- There’s a Reconciliation Day tree planting event in Tarneit on 1 June.
- Join in unique opportunity as part of National Reconciliation Week to learn about the First Nations experience of incarceration at HM Prison Pentridge in Coburg on 1 June. The Torch artist and Keerraaywoorrong man, Chris Austin will lead this talk and tour reflecting on how his art has been deeply influenced and informed by his own time spent behind the bluestone walls of Pentridge.
Sunday 2 June
- Experience the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples and celebrate Mabo Day at St Kilda Esplanade Market on Sunday 2 June.This special edition of Melbourne’s favourite beachside market will feature captivating performances from First Nations musicians John Wayne Parsons and Amos Roach, and dance performers Haryne Uta and Bandok Tati Bunurong Dancers. Market stalls from First Nations artists and makers will also feature.
- Reconciliation in the Park is Geelong’s First Nations Arts, Music & Culture sharing event for National Reconciliation Week on 2 June with hands on activities and a market place.
Tuesday 4 June
- Explore Indigenous knowledge with authors Ian J McNiven and Lynette Russell in Eltham as they discuss the seventh instalment of the groundbreaking First Knowledges series, Innovation: Knowledge and Ingenuity.
