‘All in’ for National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week begins today, with the anniversary of the Australian Government’s 1967 referendum to ensure First Nations peoples had the same rights as other Australians under the Australian Constitution.

Before 27 May 1967, First Nations people were not officially recognised as part of the population. The referendum was a significant moment of national unity, with 9 in 10 people voting Yes.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s NRW theme, All In, calls on all Australians to actively participate in reconciliation. As Reconciliation Australia notes: “Reconciliation is not a spectator sport and all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

“Reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights is not a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.”

For the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, this means moving beyond intention to action - embedding responsibility across every level of the organisation.

This Thursday, we officially launch our 2026-2028 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), detailing how embedding responsibility across every level of the organisation can be done.

BSL reaffirms its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, truth-telling and self-determination. We are proud to stand in solidarity with First Nations people and to support Australia’s first Treaty process in Victoria.

We congratulate Travis Lovett on his National Walk for Truth arrival in Canberra today.