National Reconciliation Week is held annually between 27 May and 3 June, commemorating 2 significant dates on the reconciliation journey:
- The 1967 Referendum. On 27 May 1967, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90% of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the census.
- Mabo Day. On 3 June 1992, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal concept of terra nullius (‘land belonging to no one’) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.
Our commitment to reconciliation
National Reconciliation Week also marks one year since we launched the Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy 2022-26 (the Strategy), which represents a significant step on our reconciliation journey.
The vision of our Strategy is to create a welcoming community where the histories, cultures, knowledges, achievements and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are acknowledged, respected, considered and celebrated.
The vision of the Strategy is also to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and peoples so we can work together and with our broader community to progress reconciliation locally.
Sign up to our new Boroondara Reconciliation newsletter-external site to stay up to date with the implementation of the Strategy and how to get involved.
