Georges River Council - Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June 2025. National Reconciliation Week 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 2025, Bridging Now to Next, urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.

The dates of Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. The successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.

On the eve of Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day commemorates the tabling of the the Bringing Them Home report in Parliament. The report resulted from the Government enquiry into past policies that caused children to be removed from their families and communities. National Sorry Day is a time to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the nation.

Before and throughout Reconciliation Week, we are hosting a range of events and initiatives that provide opportunities for our community to come together and connect, learn, reflect and celebrate.

Towards Truth Exhibition

This Reconciliation Week, visit Hurstville Library to explore the Towards Truth Exhibition. Learn how NSW laws and policies have impacted Aboriginal peoples, and how Aboriginal communities have fought back to resist injustice and demand their rights.

Towards Truth is an award-winning website that aims to advance the Uluru Statement from the Heart by providing a resource to strengthen community truth-telling through documenting how decisions of Parliaments and Governments have impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from 1788 until today. The website compiles laws, policies and parliamentary debates, alongside expert analysis and contemporary case studies.

Towards Truth compels us to reflect on Australia’s history and consider how the decisions of the past have brought us to where we are today.

Visit the Towards Truth Exhibition to learn more about how the legal system has suppressed or secured Aboriginal rights relating to fishing and hunting, stolen wages and participation in democracy. Designed to promote a shared understanding of injustices, this exhibition also tells a story of Aboriginal resilience and resistance.

Council is proud to partner with the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of NSW and the Justice and Equity Centre (formerly the Public Interest Advocacy Centre) to bring you this unique opportunity.

When: Wednesday 7 May - Sunday 1 June 2024.
(Note: Library opening hours are 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday, excluding public holidays).
Where: Hurstville Library.
Cost: FREE - Bookings are not required but you can register to confirm your interest.

Walking and Yarning on Country with Aunty Barb Simms and Uncle Dean Kelly

Native plants on the ground smoking in an aboriginal cooking tool

Connect to Country and learn about the significance of National Sorry Day at this Reconciliation Week event with Bidjigal Traditional Owner, Aunty Barb Simms, and local Traditional Knowledge Holder, Uncle Dean Kelly, a Yuin/Wailwan man.

Aunty Barb is a survivor of the Stolen Generations and Deputy Chair of the NSW/ACT Stolen Generation Council. Take the opportunity to join her in a yarning circle to hear about her experiences and the work that is currently being done to address the ongoing impacts of previous government policies.

Walk on Country along the Oatley Park foreshore with Uncle Dean as he shares knowledge passed down to him through his family and elders about how the local landscape and native plants were used and cared for by the old people over tens of thousands of years.

The morning will also feature cultural performances by the Djurawalinjang Dancers, a local Aboriginal dance group led by Aunty Calita Murray.

A free BBQ lunch will be provided by the Lugarno Lions.

When: Sunday 25 May 2025, 9.30am - 1.30pm.
Where: Oatley Park Foreshore.
Cost: FREE but places are limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Book Now

Weaving and Yarning with Dr Virginia Keft (includes one session with Mandarin Interpreter)

Join Muruwari artist, Dr Virginia Keft, in this interactive weaving and yarning circle to learn about the artist's Aboriginal weaving techniques, understand the cultural connections behind the designs, and share your own stories. No prior experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. This event is suitable for ages 16 years and over.

When: Tuesday 27 May 2024, 10.00am - 11.30am.
Where: Hurstville Library (This session will include a Mandarin Interpreter).
Cost: FREE but places are limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment. Book Now

When: Tuesday 27 May 2024, 12.30pm - 2.00pm.
Where: Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
Cost: FREE but places are limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment. Book Now

Paint Your Story with Amy Lea Hill-Trindall

Colourful painting featuring aboriginal symbols Join Kamilaroi artist, Amy Lea Hill-Trindall at Hurstville Museum and Gallery for this special painting workshop during Reconciliation Week. Amy will introduce you to Aboriginal symbols and painting techniques to help you tell your own story about you, your loved ones, and what reconciliation means to you.

No prior experience is necessary—everyone is welcome, and all materials will be provided.

This event is suitable for ages 16 years and over.

When: Wednesday 28 May 2024, 9.30am - 12.00pm.
Where: Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
Cost: FREE but places are limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Book Now

Movie Screening - The Sapphires

The Sapphires girls in a sparkly formal blue dress and the male in a red suit singing by a microphone

Join us in the Civic Theatre for a special free screening of The Sapphires, starring Jessica Malboy, Deborah Mailman, Miranda Tapsell and Shari Sebbens.

During Reconciliation Week, the Civic Theatre will host a special free screening of The Sapphires, a beloved Australian film that celebrates music, family, and culture, while addressing themes of racism, resilience, and the power of music in overcoming adversity.

When: Thursday 29 May 2024.
Doors open: 5.30pm.
Movie starts: 6.00pm.
Where: Civic Theatre, Hurstville Entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street, Hurstville.
Cost: FREE but places are limited so book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Book Now

Georges River Council's Better Together Campaign

Georges River is a rich and culturally diverse community. We have a growing population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live, work and meet in our LGA. We celebrate our diversity and are committed to supporting a socially inclusive and connected community. We want to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome, which is why we launched the Georges River “Better Together” anti-racism campaign on 21 March 2022.

This four-year campaign aims to promote diversity, encourage social cohesion and call out discrimination in our community. Initiatives of this campaign have included the installation of twelve #RacismNotWelcome street signs in high-traffic locations to ensure everyone who lives, works or visits Georges River feels welcome and assured that racism is not accepted. Bystander Anti-Racism Training sessions have been delivered to help members of the community identify racism and be given the tools on how to act. Ethical Storytelling Workshops have assisted people from diverse communities to share their stories of lived experiences.

During Reconciliation Week, we want to hear from you. Visit our Your Say survey and tell us how we can support those affected by racism. The survey is also a safe space for you to share whether you have seen or experienced racism in the community.

Explore the First Nations Collection at Georges River Libraries

Georges River Libraries' First Nations Collection consists of approximately 600 titles.

The collection was created with the aim of amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and artists to build knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture within our community.

The bulk of the collection is available to browse and borrow from Hurstville Library, however members can reserve items in the library catalogue to pick up from any of the Georges River Libraries access points.

For more information, email library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or visit the library website.

First Nations Storytime

Join us for a themed story time for children to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through stories and craft.

Reading lists will be available at all branches throughout the week if you can’t make it to these special story times.

Suitable for children aged 3-5 years old.

No bookings required, but arrive early on the day to avoid disappointment.

- South Hurstville Library: Tuesday 27 May, 10.30am - 11.15am.
- Penshurst Library: Wednesday 28 May, 10.30am - 11.15am.
- Oatley Library: Thursday 29 May, 10.30am - 11.15am.
- Clive James Library, Kogarah: Friday 30 May, 10.30am - 11.15am.

Reconciliation Week Children's Craft Station at Hurstville Museum & Gallery

In the spirit of this year's National Reconciliation Week theme, 'Bridging Now to Next', we invite you to pull up a chair in our Snapshot Gallery while the kids get into some colouring activities that reflect the ongoing connection between past, present and future (or join in the fun yourself)!

When: Tuesday 27 May - Tuesday 3 June 2025.
Where: Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
Cost: FREE.

For more information and opening hours, email museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or visit Hurstville Museum and Gallery.

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