Let's celebrate Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June
Published on 08 May 2025
National Reconciliation Week - which runs from 27 May to 3 June every year - 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.
National Reconciliation Week coincides with two significant dates in Australia's history:
- 27 May - marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum which chose to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal people.
- 3 June - marks the anniversary of the High Court of Australia's judgement in the Mabo case, which legally recognised that Indigenous people had a special relationship to the land.
2025 Reconciliation Week Theme
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Don't miss this event during Reconciliation Week:
Recommended Reading
Our library team have put together a Reconciliation Week-themed collection of books and e-books that are available to borrow from our eCollection or off the shelf.
Have a read here.
Whale Watching Walks
Along the east coast of New South Wales, the presence of whales in Aboriginal culture is embedded in many forms, from Dreaming stories to whales recognised as totem animals for various language groups. Rock engravings and contemporary stories show the strong relationship between local Aboriginal People, whales and The Dreaming.
Reconciliation Week coincides with the start of the Whale Watching Season in NSW.
Join one of our guided morning walks spotting whales along the windswept cliff lines between Lighthouse Reserve and Gap Park. Learn about the history of whaling in Australia and the natural and cultural heritage of the Vaucluse area. Our walk will start at Macquarie Lighthouse and finish at Gap Park Watsons Bay. Bring binoculars if you have them. Choose from three walk dates: Sunday 15 June, Sunday 13 July or Tuesday 15 July. Register here
Where to find binoculars?
As you stroll along our coastal pathways this whale season look out for our public binoculars and whale signs at Jacobs Ladder in Gap Park and the southern corner of Christison Park. We've put these in place to help everyone observe and learn more about our whales, other marine mammals and coastal birds.
Dharawal artist Shane Youngberry created the spirit animal engraving artworks for Lyne Park. The word Naggangbi means "hello / greetings" in the Dharawal language
Spirit Animal Engravings in Lyne Park Playground
Lyne Park Inclusive Playground and Intergenerational Activity Trail
was officially opened earlier this year after an extensive upgrade. The playground features a range of imaginative and inclusive recreational experiences for all ages and abilities, including a double flying fox, sensory walkway, water play zone, nature play area for older children, bike track and accessibility elements.
In recognition and celebration of the traditional custodians of the land, the Gadigal and Birrabirrigal people, engravings of spirit animals of local significance and Dharawal language words of welcome are incorporated into the playground’s concrete footpaths.
Offering an interactive, educational and textural play experience, the engravings by artist Shane Youngberry are a reminder of First Nations People’s connection to country.
Can you spot all the spirit animal engravings along Lyne Park paths
Welcome to Country
Woollahra Council acknowledges that we are on the land of the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Burri burri migration By: Jordan Ardler
Ray Ingrey, Chairperson of the Gujaga Foundation, explains the significance of Welcome to Country and showcases a traditional Aboriginal dance performed by the Gamay Dancers.
Learn about the Dharawal language with the Gujaga Foundation and the Gujaga App
Did you know the word “Naggangbi” means “Hello” in the Dharawal language (the language spoken by the traditional owners of Coastal Sydney).
Discover more about our local Aboriginal culture by downloading the Gujaga App.
We have been offering Dharawal language classes at Woollahra Preschool, to give children the opportunity to learn the Dharawal language and their feedback and enthusiasm has been fantastic.
For more information, please visit:
Dharawal language classes at Woollahra Preschool
Woollahra Aboriginal Heritage Study and our Reconciliation Action Plan
As part of ongoing commitment to reconciliation we’re we’re implementing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for Council. Read the plan here.(PDF, 3MB)
In 2022, we adopted the Woollahra Aboriginal Heritage Study in consultation with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The next step in Council's reconciliation journey is the development of the Innovate RAP, which outlines actions for achieving Council's vision for reconciliation.
Innovate RAP commitments will allow Council to gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence, and establish the best approaches to advance reconciliation. An Innovate RAP focuses on strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and piloting strategies for further reconciliation commitments and to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Visit our Stingray at Woollahra Council Customer Service Centre
Next time you are in the Woollahra area, be sure to pop by the Woollahra Council Customer Service Centre to admire our Nawarlah (Stingray) 2022 artwork by indigenous artist Philomena Namundja. The artwork was purchased by Council during the Heart in Art exhibition in June/July 2022 held at the Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf.
Philomena Namundja - Nawarlah (Stingray) 2022