National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Reconciliation Week

NAIDOC Week 

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held around the country each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

NAIDOC Week is held in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday).  

NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to reaffirm Gladstone Regional Council’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of our region’s Traditional Owners; the Bailai, the Gurang, the Gooreng Gooreng and the Taribelang Bunda people.

Council is proud to support events and activities throughout the Gladstone Region to celebrate NAIDOC Week. 

NAIDOC Week

Culturally significant dates for 2023

• 13 February – Anniversary of National Apology Day
• 16 March – National Close the Gap Day (3rd Thursday of March each year)
• 26 May – National Sorry Day
• 27 May – 1967 Referendum
• 27 May – 3rd June – National Reconciliation Week
• 3 June – Mabo Day
• 1 July – Coming of the Light
• 2 – 9 July – NAIDOC Week (1st full week in July)
• 4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
• 9 August – International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
• 1 September – Indigenous Literacy Day (1st Wednesday of September)
• 13 September – Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart 

The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people, from First Nation Australians. It asks us to support a First Nations voice in the Constitution and begin our journey to a better Australia. 

On Tuesday 20 July, 2021 Councillor Natalia Muszkat tabled a Notice of Motion recommending Gladstone Regional Council support the Uluru Statement of the Heart and to lobby for a First Nations Voice to Parliament. 

It is a proud moment on our reconciliation journey, and aligns with the pillars of our Reconciliation Action Plan and the work we have already undertaken as a business. 

We’ve made our voice count to enable a First Nations Voice to be heard and support a First Nations voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution.  

Hear from Cr Natalia Muszkat in the video below:

For more information on the Uluru Statement of the Heart, visit https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement.