National Reconciliation Week 2025
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people please be aware that this resource contains images and names of deceased people.
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 date remains 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 (1992) 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.
A special Last Post Ceremony, on Tuesday 3 June, will remember and pay tribute to Private John Makinson. In commemorating Private John Makinson, we recognise those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen who fought to defend Country and who played their part in walking the path to reconciliation.
The Australian War Memorial is sharing stories of the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In and Twitter.
Indigenous service
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have served in every conflict and commitment involving Australian defence contingents since Federation, including both world wars and the intervals of peace since the Second World War. Visit our hub to read articles, listen to oral histories, view photos and short films, and more.