National Reconcillation Week is always held on the same dates in Australia. 27 May – 3 June 2024. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey

27 May 1967 On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.

3 June 1992  On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

The National Reconciliation Week 2024 theme, Now More Than Ever, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, let’s choose to create a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.

Below are some family friendly events taking place in Adelaide for National Reconcilliation Week

For more information visit www.reconciliation.org.au

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.

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  • Tandanya — a Kaurna word meaning ‘place of the red kangaroo’ — is the oldest Aboriginal-owned and operated arts centre, with almost three decades under its belt. Located on Grenfell St in the East End of the city, the museum is an interactive arts space that promotes the art and story-telling of Australia’s First Peoples. Visitors can experience the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through performing and visual arts. There are 4 galleries with a range of exciting exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing traditional and contemporary visual art and sculpture. 253 Grenfell St, AdelaidePlease visit their website for more info, opening hours and current exhibits tandanya.com.au

  • NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is a time for us to embrace and learn about the true history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples and we love the use of books, reading and storytime as a way to do that with our kids.

  • The National Motor Museum is located in Birdwood, around an hours drive from the C.B.D. It's Australia's biggest motoring collection with over 400 vintage, veteran, post war, classic and modern cars, commercial vehicles and motorbikes! Discover how motor vehicles have opened up our country, linking some of the most isolated communities in the world. From the stately to the absurd, from the hand-built to the mass-produced, see the vehicles people loved and loathed, thrashed and pampered, in the pursuit of their motoring dreams! You don't have to be a rev head to appreciate the history here and there's also heaps of space for picnics, free BBQs, a playground, cafe, souvenir shop and free kids activities. It's a great day out. Shannon St, BirdwoodCheck opening hours and entry prices on their website motor.history.sa.gov.au (all photos credit National Motor Museum FB page)