Reconciliation Week 2025: Bridging Now to Next

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to come together, reflect on our shared history, and take steps toward a more united and respectful future. 

From 27 May to 3 June, we remember two key milestones in our reconciliation journey, the 1967 referendum, which recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Census, and the 1992 Mabo decision, which confirmed native title and challenged the myth of terra nullius. 

This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, calls on all of us to build on the lessons of the past as we look toward a better future, one built on respect, truth-telling, and genuine connection. 

As a parent or caregiver, you might wonder how to talk with young children about reconciliation. Maybe they’ve asked questions you’re unsure how to answer, or you’re looking for ways to gently introduce them to Australia’s complex past in a way that nurtures understanding and hope. 

One powerful way to start is through sharing stories. 

Reading together gives you the opportunity to talk about big topics in a way that’s thoughtful, calm, and age-appropriate. It also strengthens the bond between you and your child, building empathy, curiosity, and connection. 

A wonderful book to share this Reconciliation Week is Afloat written by Gunai author Kirli Saunders and illustrated by seven-time CBCA winner Freya Blackwood. This beautiful picture book is told during a time of climate crisis and follows an elder as she leads a child along the waterways, sharing knowledge and gathering community of all backgrounds along the way. This heartening book shows what is possible when we listen to First Nations leaders and follow when they show us the way. 

You can explore Reconciliation Week at your local library or Indigenous Knowledge Centre, with special events, displays, and storytime sessions. And remember, children can join the library from birth, so you can borrow Listen and many other wonderful stories to read together at home. 

For more ideas to support your child’s learning and development, subscribe to our free monthly tips or visit a First 5 Forever session at your local library.