Religious Education and Social Justice

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 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 dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27th May to 3rd June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A Brief History

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation. In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns to show their support for reconciliation. 

Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide. Hundreds of NRW events are held each year. You can find an event near you by visiting the National Reconciliation Week website:

nrw.reconciliation.org.au

Walk Together With Courage 

 A Prayer for Reconciliation

Creator God, 

God for all peoples 

who was there in the beginning, 

planting our footprints on this sacred land, being an invisible presence in the visible creation.

May you continue to speak to your people through the land; its stories and cultures.

Guard us as we walk together 

with courage to honour the work 

of our brothers and sisters 

who before us fanned

the flames of reconciliation. 

May you continue to guide us, 

grounded in truth, 

through the reconciling work of your son, Jesus.

Empower us, through the Holy Spirit 

to be people of action that work 

to respect the dignity of all human beings 

in our communities.

Grant us Your love until this Great Southland

 is fully aflame with your unifying love

 and it may truly be said that Your healing

 reconciliation is finally on earth 

as it is in heaven.

We ask this prayer 

through Jesus Christ our Lord, 

Amen

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader