National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Held from 27 May to 3 June 2025, the theme "Bridging Now to Next" reminds us that reconciliation requires ongoing commitment, listening, and action. The week follows National Sorry Day on 26 May, a significant moment to acknowledge the past injustices faced by the Stolen Generations and reaffirm our collective responsibility to heal and move forward.
We spoke with Tully Mahr, Kay Langford, and Renee Wootton about what NRW means to them and the steps individuals and organisations can take to bridge the gap between “now” and “next.”
What Does Reconciliation Mean to You?
For Tully, reconciliation is about recognising history while shaping a more inclusive future.
“Personally, reconciliation acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations people and its importance in modern society. Professionally, it offers the opportunity to create spaces where Indigenous perspectives are not only respected but actively incorporated into research, industry, and workplace culture.”
For Kay, reconciliation means confronting history and rewriting the future.
“As a result of the colonisation of this land and its custodians, Indigenous people have endured a mass erasure of our traditional ways of living, our Elders and our truth speakers. Our language, families, culture, and identity as a people were intended to be wiped out. It’s time to change the narrative and show our country that there is an abundance of Indigenous excellence.”
Renee sees reconciliation as a commitment to structural change.
“Reconciliation is about truth, justice, and action. It’s about ensuring that the real history of Australia—one of colonisation, dispossession, and exclusion—is understood so we can build a future where First Nations people are not just included but empowered.”
She emphasises that in industries like STEM, barriers still exist, and true reconciliation means dismantling these barriers to create genuine opportunities for First Nations leadership.
Why is National Reconciliation Week Important?
NRW is more than a moment of reflection—it’s a catalyst for action.
“Reconciliation starts with truth,” says Renee. “For many years, Australian history was told from a single perspective, often leaving out the full story of colonisation, the Stolen Generations, and systemic exclusion. We can’t move forward together if we don’t fully understand where we’ve come from.”
For Kay, NRW is an opportunity for all Australians to embrace the strength, knowledge, and generosity of First Nations cultures.
“There is a wealth of wisdom, joy, and genius in our First Nations culture. Indigenous people are resilient, strong, generous and artistic people who have a deep connection to this land. There is so much to learn from our First Nations people, if one is willing to listen.”
Similarly, Tully highlights how NRW amplifies Indigenous voices across "all sectors and encourages all Australians to acknowledge past injustices and celebrate the resilience and contributions of our First Nations peoples. Reconciliation is a bid for a collective journey towards a more inclusive and informed society."
How can Individuals and Organisations Take Action?
Reconciliation isn’t just about words—it’s about action. Here’s how you can make a meaningful impact.
1. Listen and Learn
Understanding First Nations' histories, cultures, and perspectives is the foundation of reconciliation.
📢 Action: Watch an Indigenous-led documentary, read books by First Nations authors, and engage with Indigenous media.
“Education, awareness, and active allyship are key steps in the reconciliation journey,” says Tully. “From there, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and amplifying First Nations' voices will help challenge harmful stereotypes and forge a path for reconciliation.”
2. Support First Nations Businesses and Leaders
Indigenous-owned businesses and professionals bring innovation, leadership, and cultural knowledge across industries.
📢 Action: Prioritise Indigenous procurement, collaborate with First Nations professionals, and integrate Indigenous knowledge into business and policy.
“Reconciliation means dismantling barriers that keep Indigenous people from thriving in industries like STEM, aviation, and energy,” says Renee. “It’s not a pipeline problem—it’s a structural problem.”
3. Embed Reconciliation Beyond NRW
True reconciliation happens when commitments extend beyond a single week.
📢 Action: Develop long-term partnerships with First Nations organisations, ensure Indigenous perspectives are embedded in decision-making, and commit to ongoing learning.
Renee encourages everyone to take it further: “If you’re in a leadership position, ask yourself: Are Indigenous perspectives part of my company’s innovation, sustainability, or STEM strategy? If not, it’s time to start the conversation.”
Reconciliation isn’t just about acknowledging the past—it’s about ensuring that First Nations' voices actively shape the future across all sectors. By embedding Indigenous knowledge into business strategies, innovation, and leadership, organisations can create lasting change.
“With an authentic commitment to reconciliation, we all play a role in re-conceptualising the outdated perceptions of First Nations people in Australia,” says Kay. Let’s "tell a new story—one that all Australians can share and be proud of.”
Final Thoughts: Don't Stop Here.
National Reconciliation Week is a reminder that reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re an individual, a business leader, or part of a larger organisation, now is the time to act.
One step at a time, we can build a future where First Nations people are celebrated, respected, and empowered.
What’s your commitment to reconciliation this week—and beyond?
Take action today. Support Indigenous businesses, educate yourself, and amplify First Nations voices in your workplace and community.
The best way to honour National Reconciliation Week? Keep the momentum going—long after the week is over. Renee Wootton
Inspiring Voices for Reconciliation
At Saxton Speakers, we are proud to represent a diverse group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who champion reconciliation. The perspectives shared in this blog come from the following Speakers:
