Reconciliation Week 2025
Published on 23 May 2025
27 May to 3 June
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is Bridging Now to Next. The theme calls on all Australians to reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future and step forward together.
Visitor Centre Film
Every day, between 9am and 5pm
Free entry - no bookings required
Theatrette at the Visitor Centre in the historic Maryborough Railway Station
The people of Maryborough are proud of their goldrush history, but what was its impact on the area’s First People, the Dja Dja Wurrung? Experience the excitement of the goldrush and reflect on a moving and meaningful story of our whole history in the Central Goldfields.
Visitor Centre Central Goldfields Shire Council >
garingilang gatjin wii (Indigenous Interpretative Garden)
Free, no bookings required
Cnr Neill and Campbell Streets, Maryborough
A new Indigenous Interpretative Garden - called garingilang gatjin wii - is now open for the community to enjoy. garingilang gatjin wii means water and fire garden in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
During Reconciliation Week it would be a wonderful place for you to relax and reflect. Designed collaboratively with Dja Dja Wurrung community representatives and artists supported by Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprise DJANDAK, the Garden features artworks and plantings that are significant to Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung people).
Learn more about the garden >
Clay on Country – ceramics from the central desert.
Thursdays to Sundays 10am–4pm
Free - donations welcomed, no bookings required
Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Old Fire Station, 1 Neill Street, Maryborough
Clay on Country is a celebration of clay, community, culture and creativity.
Showcasing the enthusiasm for ceramic practice in the central desert region the exhibition is a diverse and eclectic survey, the first of its kind, including works from 35 artists and collectives. All have produced accomplished, insightful, and contemporary works that reflect the culturally and historically rich and complex region where they live and work.
Presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Clay on Country >
2025 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival
Various venues and prices
The 2025 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival which takes place during National Reconciliation Week will celebrate its ninth year with a feast of films, videos and activities at venues in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Heathcote and Yandoit.
This year’s festival showcases an exciting range of activities, discussions and First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia
Download film festival program >
Heart of the Region by Djaara artist Racquel Kerr
Free, no bookings required
Rosalind Park, Pall Mall, Bendigo
The ‘Heart of the Region’ inflatable art installation was made for the Regional Centre for Culture and was last seen in 2018. The temporary sculpture was designed by Djaara artist Racquel Kerr to pay homage to Dja Dja Wurrung stories.
Heart of the Region by Racquel Kerr inflatable art installation >
Bendigo TAFE Reconciliation Week Event
Free lunch, no bookings required
Bendigo TAFE, Echuca campus, Corner of Hare and Darling Streets, Echuca
Come along, bring your friends and family and support the cultural performances, participate in fun activities and enjoy a FREE lunch at Bendigo TAFE’s Echuca campus.
Sorry Day Commemoration
Monday 26 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Free, no bookings required
Victory Park, Castlemaine
A commemorative event that will include:
- Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.
- Launch of the Djaara Cultural Mud Map designed by Uncle Rick and Trace Balla.
- Guest speakers Mayor Rosie Annear, and representatives from Castlemaine Secondary College and local primary schools.
- Free barbecue supported by Castlemaine Lions Club.
About Reconciliation Week 2025 >
National Reconciliation Week Launch
Tuesday 27 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Market Building, Castlemaine
A commemorative event that will include:
- Launch of Uncle Ron Murray, local Wamba Wamba, Tatiara man’s autobiography Balranald Boy.
- Nalderun Awards.
- Morning tea provided.
About Reconciliation Week 2025 >
Commemorative Flag Raising, Morning Tea and Exhibition
Monday 26th May from 9.15am
BADAC Market St Carpark and entry via 108 Armstrong St, Ballarat Central
BADAC, City of Ballarat, CAFS and Wadawurrung invite one and all to engage in:
- Smoking Ceremony to commemorate this significant date
- Morning Tea and Pathways to Healing Yarning Circle in the BADAC Tree Room
- Exhibition - Aunty Charmaine Clarke and Peter Kennedy Jnr, Photographer David G. Jones
- Sorry Day flower craft and badge making
The TAKEN exhibition
26th May – 5th June 2025 (library hours)
City of Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat Central 3350
Now showing at Ballarat Library is The Taken, a photographic exhibition from David G. Jones in collaboration with Stolen Generation survivors, co-designed with survivor and Ballarat Elder, Uncle Murray Harrison.
Loan of The TAKEN exhibition is generously provided by photographer and author David G. Jones. We will have, with permissions granted by survivors from Ballarat including Uncle Murray Harrison, Charmaine Clarke and Peter Kennedy and families, a small selection of the images exhibited at BADAC's Tree Room
The selection of the Taken photographs on exhibition features local and national Stolen Generations victims from across Australia. This important photo book can be loaned from Ballarat and Central Highlands libraries with a library membership.
Link: City of Ballarat