National Reconciliation Week 2026 - All In

National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held every year from 27 May to 3 June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

The theme for 2026 is All In (#NRW2026) a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

This years theme also is a reminder 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. It requires active participation and shared responsibility to drive meaningful change.

This week represents a chance for all of Hume City to support and develop relationships and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands people. 

Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us.

What’s the significance of 27 May and 3 June?

27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

3 June marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation.

The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.

What is reconciliation in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession, violence, and racism. Over the last half century, however, many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

What can I do for the rest of the year?

While National Reconciliation Week is an excellent time to think about these issues, you can still take action throughout the year to work towards reconciliation.

Visit the Reconciliation Australia website for more information.

“A Piece of Me” Aunty Karen Lovett

Gunditjmara woman Aunty Karen Lovett, a long‑standing member of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RAPWG) and a respected local artist, has designed Essendon Football Club’s 2026 Dreamtime Guernsey. The guernsey will be worn during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Fremantle, and under lights at the MCG for the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash with Richmond.

The artwork, titled “A Piece of Me”, symbolises Aunty Karen’s personal journey growing up in institutions, honours Elders who have passed, and reflects important symbols of Country.

To find out more visit "A Piece of Me" Essendon's 2026 Dreamtime Guernsey | Essendon Football Club Website.