Now More Than Ever is a call to action. It is a pledge to affirmative action, not tomorrow, but today. This is the theme of Reconciliation Week in 2024, a reminder to all that no matter what, the fight for justice and rights of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander people will — and must — continue.
Historically, Australia's reconciliation journey has been insufficient in enacting long-standing change. In light of the division that sets to break us apart, the need to connect in solidarity and collective effort has never been more in need. With the 6.2 million Australians voted YES, support for the status of reconciliation is palpable within the nation. Australians everywhere are committed to First Nations sovereignty, and we are no different.
As Reconciliation supporters, we must accept the call to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To exterminate racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in leadership across this continent. The work must continue. And with our help, it can.
This year's National Reconciliation Week 2024 (NRW) takes place on the 27th of May - 3rd of June.
In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need action. And we need change. Now more than ever, we need reconciliation. Below, here's what we can do, attend, and learn across the country.
NSW
At Mudgee Arts District, the Guwayu exhibition is a collection of First Nation Works open to the public. It includes some of Australia’s most renowned First Nations artists including Tony Albert, Nicole Chaffey, Jo Clancy, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Karla Dickens, Blak Douglas, Fiona Foley, Maddison Gibbs, Juanita MacLaughlan, Aleshia Lonsdale, Danie Mellor, Vincent Namatjira, Joel Sherwood Spring, Jason Wing and Judy Watson.
First Nations Art @ 833 George Street
Purchase an original art piece by First Nations Artist Jason Douglas, a Murri Man, whose people belong to the tribal lands of the Kabi Kabi of south-eastern Queensland, including Noosa and Trevor Eastwood, from the Ngamba people on the Barwon River, part of Kamiloroi country, on the outskirts of Brewarrina, NSW.
Uncle Brendan Kerrin at Brookfield Place Sydney
The community are invited to join Brookfield Properties’ National Reconciliation Week celebrations, featuring a performance by Uncle Brendan Kerin on the didgeridoo from 9am – 9:30am. Uncle Brendan Kerin is an Arrernte and Barkindji Elder and a prominent member of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
VIC
The Torch presents a moving exhibition of First Nations people who have been in incarceration in Victoria to share their stories. The last week of Confined 15 overlaps with National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June). Additionally, the theme for National Reconciliation Week, Now More Than Ever is a compelling reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice against wrongful incarceration must continue.
Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival
Experience a variety of films, videos, activities and discussions in local venues and online. This year’s film festival showcases an exciting range of First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and narrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia.
Check out Mullum Market featuring First Nations arts and culture stalls. There will be a Wurundjeri Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Didgeridoo performance at 11am. The market is proudly presented by Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and Mullum Creations in partnership with Maroondah City Council and Eastland.
QLD
Neville Bonner's film focuses on the first First Nations man to enter Parliament. Neville’s vision was one of integration not assimilation. Neville Bonner was elected in both State and Federal Parliament for over 12 years across four changes of Federal government.
SA
Sprigg Salon - Aboriginal Activism in South Australia
Learn about the history of activism in South Australia with a thought-provoking panel discussion. Guided by speakers Jacinta Koolmatrie, Haydyn Bromley and Jade Turner, these voices will illuminate some of the past, present, and future reconciliation efforts from the state.
NT
On Country, Our Strength Exhibition
‘On Country: Our Story, Our Strength’ is an immersive exhibition celebrating Aboriginal women who are or have been employed through entry-level programs in the Australian Public Service (APS). These immersions will be portrayed through On Country’s story of regeneration, using various mediums such as paint, song, music, poetry, photography, smell, sight, sound bite, vision, touch, and drawing.
TAS
No. 34 Aboriginal Health Service Expo
No 34 Aboriginal Health Service and Rural Health Tasmania will be holding an expo on Wednesday 29 May 2024 in the Gnomon Room, Ulverstone Wharf. The aim is to inform the Indigenous community of what organisations and businesses are out there that can assist with matters of day to day life – from health and wellbeing to community involvement and fiscal advice.
WA
Now More Than Ever Reconciliation in Conversation
A panel discussion will be hosted for First Nations leaders Anthony Kickett and Kim Farmer as they share their thoughts, stories and reflections on the theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week: Now More than Ever.
