Reconciliation Australia 2026

When our amazing Mrs Erica Sherlock saw Reconciliation Australia’s 2026 theme #ALLIN, she registered us for an opportunity to create our own Voices for Reconciliation Choir, once again. #ALLIN is about Australians committing wholeheartedly to reconciliation Every. Single. Day and the 2026 song was announced as the classic land rights anthem "Beds Are Burning" by Midnight Oil. 

Beds are Burning, as inspired by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta handback to the Anangu people in 1985. Cranbourne Secondary College students and staff responded with courage as they came together to form a choir, wholeheartedly led by our musical matriarch, Katarina Mizzi. Our choir rehearsed during lunch breaks and supported each other in learning the lyrics, harmony, and choral arrangement. On performance day, we were equally delighted to be joined by Cranbourne Primary School, led by their dedicated choir master teacher, Rebecca Houlder. Witnessing students from so many year levels come together under the stage lights as one was an incredibly positive spectacle for all involved, with the younger students looking up to the older ones. Our Marrung Leaders, Dakota and Lachy, welcomed our visitors and saw them out with gratitude. 

Beds Are Burning is a timeless call to action to be ALL IN for justice and reconciliation, and for all Australians to know our history. Our choir was incredibly proud to stand together, side by side, and raise our voices for the benefit of all Australians. 

We have sent our performance to Reconciliation Australia, hoping to be part of their national edit for National Reconciliation Week. But, still content in the knowledge that in our community, on this beautiful Bunurong land, we were present and together in truth. 

A huge thank you to: - Erica Sherlock, for leading the way, getting everything organised, welcoming us, feeding us, creating 80 lanyards and connecting everyone involved - Katarina Mizzi, for your ever giving time, heart and excellence in music which allows these moments to be what they are and remembered forever - Drew Gardner, for your skills and effort in recording, layering, guiding, mixing, and setting up, all whilst still playing drums. -Mahonri Akaiti, media legend- for recording and cutting our video with your mad skills so the visuals match the audio. -Juanita Isherwood, our wonderful KESO, for coming out to join us, giving us your time and connecting us all - George Massouris for your photos of the experience, enthusiastic support, and dedicating the lanyards to this event - Steph Bettin for your support with collecting and keeping safe permission slips And to EVERY singer, musician, sound engineer, set up/pack down person and supporter who gave their time to make this positive moment in time exists- we are forever grateful to stand alongside you all. 

Keep spreading the word and keep showing up for Reconciliation- #ALLIN