National Sorry Day &
Reconciliation Week
I.R.S. acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and recognises their strength, resilience and capacity. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
Right after National Sorry Day starts the Reconciliation Week. initiated in 1996 by Reconciliation Australia to celebrate indigenous history and culture in Australia and foster reconciliation discussion and activities. It is held between 27 May and 3 June of each year, with the dates holding special historical significance: the former marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum - celebrating it's 50 year anniversary - and the latter marks the anniversary of High Court of Australia judgement on the Mabo v Queensland of 1992, now 25 years ago.
On 21 November 2004 former Essendon legend Michael Long embarked on an historic trek, walking from his home in Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra. Along the way, and every year since, he is joined by thousands of Australians. This year, The Long Walk will be held on Sunday 28th May at Federation Square, in the heart of Melbourne.
The theme for #NRW2017 is ‘Let’s Take the Next Steps’. Follow Reconciliation Australia on Facebook or Twitter.