National Reconciliation Week 2025: join us as we honour the rights of First Nations peoples
Today is National Sorry Day an Australia-wide observance held on 26 May each year to remember and commemorate the mistreatment of the country’s Indigenous peoples.
Today, we come together and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for the Stolen Generations, and their families and communities. Stolen Generations refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
Following National Sorry Day, we mark National Reconciliation Week (NRW) which occurs annually in Australia from 27 May to 3 June. This is an important time for all non-Indigenous Australians to learn more about the rich Cultures of First Nations Peoples, acknowledge the true histories of Australia and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The NRW 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and urges us to look ahead, and draw on past learnings to guide us towards to a more united and respectful nation.
We encourage our Deakin community to engage with National Reconciliation Week, learn about the importance of Deakin’s Indigenous Strategy, and take responsibility for our contributions towards a mature and reconciled nation
Find out more about National Reconciliation Week.
Get involved in NRW events
Check out what’s happening in your local area or take part in a Deakin NRW event.
Arts and culture
Bridge connections in our campus libraries
From 27 May to 3 June 2025, visit your campus library to make your commitment to reconciliation. You will have the opportunity to write, draw or decorate your commitment to reconciliation. Completed artworks will be displayed with others in the shape of a bridge to represent the Deakin community’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the theme, Bridging Now to Next.
Burwood campus – First Nations voice and art presented by our Art Gallery
In recognition of National Reconciliation Week 2025, hear from two of Australia’s most accomplished contemporary First Nations artists, Hayley Millar Baker and Reko Rennie on Deakin’s Art Gallery YouTube playlist.
Hayley joined us for a Deakin University Playlist interview in July 2024 to discuss her film and photography work, including a series of photographs purchased by Deakin in 2022, following her solo show ‘There we were all in one place’.
In our second interview with Reko Rennie, we chatted about his solo show ‘Rekospective’ presented at the National Gallery of Victoria earlier this year.
Wander on Country
Waurn Ponds campus
The recently opened Deakin Delama Dja Walk on our Waurn Ponds campus acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. In traditional language of the Wadawarrung people, Delama Dja means to ’embrace Country’ – a welcoming invitation to connect with Country this NRW.
The self-guided walk is your opportunity to embrace Indigenous stories, history and ways of knowing. The Delama Dja Walk is a two kilometre circuit marked by signage exploring Wadawurrung culture, Deakin’s sustainability initiatives and the history of the campus. Take time out this National Reconciliation Week to walk on Country by following the Delama Dja Walk around our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus.
Online – Deakin Library First Nations Hub
If you are looking for individual action you can take to move toward reconciliation, consider incorporating Indigenous knowledges and perspectives in your studies. Find out more by exploring the Deakin Library First Nations Hub where you will find key information about Indigenous knowledges for studies, teaching and research. It is a simple, useful resource for everyone at Deakin to provide guidance and direction on engaging with Indigenous knowledges and respectful research.
About the artwork
The artwork for the National Reconciliation Week 2025 Bridging Now to Next campaign celebrates the resilience of Australia’s native flora, featuring Lemon Myrtle, Banksia, Gum Leaves, Desert Lime and Kangaroo Paw, renowned for their ability to endure harsh conditions, regenerate after fire, and flourish through adversity. These plants embody the strength and adaptability of people and communities, emphasising the importance of growth in the present while looking toward the future.
Vibrant patterns symbolising journeys and tracks reflect resilience, connection, and progress, serving as a reminder of our deep ties to Country and the paths paved by those before us. By interweaving the regenerative stories of native plants with the campaign’s theme, the artwork encapsulates perseverance, unity, and hope.
The National Reconciliation Week 2025 design and artwork theme was created by Bree Buttenshaw, a proud Kalkadoon woman and talented digital artist based in Quandamooka Country.
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