National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) 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 theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

Read about the steps Woollahra Council is taking towards reconciliation in our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Indigenous Story Time and Craft

To celebrate Reconciliation Week we’re running a number of indigenous storytelling sessions through the wonderful team at the Gujaga Foundation. This session celebrates the sharing of songs, stories and Dharawal language, followed by a fun craft activity.

Bookings are not required, but spaces are limited, so please arrive early to secure your spot.

Three sessions are available:

• Monday 29 May 2023, 10:30am-11:30am, Paddington Library
• Tuesday 30 May 2023, 10:30am-11:30am, Watsons Bay Library
• Wednesday 31 May 2023, 10:30am-11:30am, Woollahra Library at Double Bay

Other local events

There are a range of events taking place across the local area in the lead up to NAIDOC Week (2-9 July) and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum.

Wentworth for The Voice - Town Hall & Information session

Thursday 8 June 2023, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Paddington RSL, 220/232 Oxford Street, Paddington

Join Allegra Spender Federal Member for Wentworth, Dean Parkin, Ruby Langton-Batty and Dr Shireen Morris for a Q&A on the Voice to Parliament.

This event is an opportunity to ask questions about the details of the referendum and hear from experts about why they are supporting the Yes campaign. If you have doubts, questions or just want to learn more, please come along.

Free, Registration essential.

Read more about Wentworth for the Voice and other upcoming local events.

We Bleed the Same: An Exhibition Exploring Racism and Diversity

Saturday 10 June - Sunday 25 June 2022, Woollahra Library at Double Bay

Proudly presented in partnership with Freilich Project (ANU), "We Bleed The Same" is an anti-racism exhibition and documentary by creator and producer Liz Deep-Jones, photographer Tim Bauer and Art Director, Brenda Dwyer.

Free event, bookings not required. Read more.

Yarning Circle with James Michael “Widdy” Welsh

Saturday 10 June, 4.30pm–5.30pm, Woollahra Library at Double Bay

Join Wailwan elder & Stolen Generation survivor James Michael "Widdy" Welsh in a yarning circle to build robust, trusting and caring relationships within our community. A yarning circle is an important process that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use to learn from one another, build respect, and share knowledge.

Free, bookings essential online.

Barangga - First Nations Design

12 June-30 July, 12:00pm-5:00pm, UNSW Galleries, Cnr of Oxford St and Greens Rd, Paddington

'Barangga' is a Dharawal word meaning 'large vessel' or 'island'. It speaks to the significance of design and making in First Nations practices, while embodying the notion of bringing people together and holding space for community.

The exhibition and accompanying program of workshops celebrates design and making practices as a vital form of cultural knowledge in First Nations Communities across Australia.

Free event. Read more.

Ideas Exchange: Indigenous Voice to Parliament with Thomas Mayo

Sunday 18 June, 2:00pm-4:00pm, Woollahra Library at Double Bay

As we approach a referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, it is important to educate ourselves on this crucial vote that can provide better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and a platform for First Nations people to have a say on issues that affect them. Woollahra Council supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full (Truth, Treaty and Voice) and the Voice to Parliament (the Yes Strategy).

Join Thomas Mayo, Signatory and Advocate for the Uluru Statement from the Heart at a special ideas exchange to learn more about the upcoming referendum and what this vote means for First Nations people and our country.

Free event, but bookings essential online.

NAIDOC Week: Contemporary Dance Workshop

Monday 3 July, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf

In this workshop run in partnership with Creative Caring, you will learn about indigenous culture through movement and discover some age-old language and meaning of Aboriginal culture.

Note: You may take this class either seated or standing, according to your own comfort.

Cost: $10, light refreshments included, bookings essential online.

Heart In Art exhibition at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf

28 June– 23 July, Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf, open Wed–Sun, Free Admission

The Heart in Art exhibition is a collaboration between Woollahra Council and First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation to coincide with the National Indigenous Art Fair and NAIDOC Week. The exhibition showcases First Nations artists working in some of the most remote art centres in Australia and provides Sydney-siders with the opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of their practices.

Weaving Workshop (8-14 yrs)

Wednesday 5 July 2023, 10:30am-11:30am, Woollahra Library at Double Bay

Learn about traditional materials and methods of indigenous Australian weaving through the team at Koori Kinnections in this NAIDOC Week workshop!

Cost: $5, bookings essential online.

Community Open Day, Celebrating First Nations

Saturday 8 July, 2pm–4pm, Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf

Join us to celebrate First Nations Culture. Following a Welcome to Country there will be cultural dances and creative workshops as well as a Curator guided tour of the Heart in the Art Exhibition.

Musical performance with Ursula Yovich

Wednesday 12 July, 6pm–8pm, Woollahra Library at Double Bay

Ursula Yovich will perform some of her favourite pieces and have a conversation with the audience about life, growing up in NT and her cultural connections with her Elders.