Local National Reconciliation Week, held from 27 May to 3 June, will be marked in the Bundaberg Region with a flag raising event, library colouring-in activities and a free movie screening at the Moncrieff.
This year’s national theme Bridging Now to Next reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
The week offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about Australia’s shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how everyone can all contribute to reconciliation.
Bundaberg Regional Council Community Resilience and Connection portfolio spokesperson Councillor Tracey McPhee said National Reconciliation Week was an important time for learning and listening.
“While we acknowledge the past, Reconciliation Week is about looking ahead with hope and shared purpose,” Cr McPhee said.
“It’s a reminder that reconciliation happens through everyday actions, in the way we listen, engage and support one another.
“Respectful and meaningful conversations create connection and build relationships, which in turn allow us to walk together as Australians toward a more inclusive future.”
The dates of National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year, bookended by two key milestones – the 1967 referendum on 27 May and the High Court’s Mabo decision on 3 June.
National Reconciliation Week began as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 and has since grown into a national movement involving schools, workplaces and community groups across the country.
National Reconciliation Week events
Cr McPhee said Council would host a flag raising event in Buss Park to symbolise the beginning of this important week, followed by a free movie screening of ‘Under Streetlights’ at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 28 May.
The library will also host adult colouring-in and morning tea events on 27 May and 30 May from 10 am where everyone is invited to come along and colour in the National Reconciliation Week 2025 logo while enjoying a social chat.
From 27 May to 3 June, there will be adult colouring-in and book displays at Childers and Gin Gin Libraries, with visitors to Bundaberg Library invited to contribute to a community colouring-in installation and browse the book and history timeline displays, with children’s Reconciliation Week-themed colouring-in also available.
These National Reconciliation Week events are in addition to the regular yarning circles which Council holds with local elders.
To find other ways to get involved in National Reconciliation Week visit reconciliation.org.au to explore the resources or search for more events.
Flag raising event
When: Tuesday 27 May, 9 am
Where: Buss Park, corner of Bourbong Street and Maryborough Street
Bookings: Not required – details here
Adult colouring-in and morning tea
When: Tuesday 27 May and Friday 30 May, 10 to 11 am
Where: Bundaberg Library
Bookings: Not required
Under Streetlights – Reconciliation Week Screening and Q&A
When: Wednesday 28 May, 6 – 8 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Bookings: Free event – book tickets here
Other news: Vote in IWC’s Reconciliation Through Art Exhibition
