National Reconciliation Week – More Than A Word

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging all people in Wide Bay to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures during National Reconciliation Week 2021 from Thursday, 27 May.

“Today, May 27 marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, and the anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision falls on 3 June, which are two of the most significant events in our nation’s history,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This year’s theme, More than a word, Reconciliation takes action, calls on all Australians to think about the practical steps they can take to build trust, mutual respect and opportunities for Indigenous Australians in their communities.

“Our Wide Bay communities are on Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka land and I encourage all Wide Bay residents to show their respect for our Traditional Owners with an Acknowledgement of Country, and to get involved in National Reconciliation Week.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said that for reconciliation to be effective, it must actively address issues of inequality, racism and instances where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are ignored, denied or reduced.

“Our goal in reconciliation is a nation where all children have the same life chances and choices, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.”

“Through our actions, we can build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community.”

If you are taking part in a National Reconciliation Week event, you can share the event and messages using the hashtags #MoreThanAWord and #NRW2021.

The Morrison Government continues its commitment to reconciliation by reforming the way we work with Indigenous Australians – in partnership – to achieve better outcomes.

Visit reconciliation.org.au or indigenous.gov.au to find out more.