National Reconciliation Week
27 May - 3 June 2025
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 dates for National Reconciliation Week are 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 Mabo High Court decision respectively.
You can learn more about National Reconciliation Week by reading the fact sheet linked below.
At Programmed, we recognise the significance of National Reconciliation Week and the opportunity it presents for each of us to reflect on our commitment to reconciliation. It is a time for us to come together as a community, to listen, learn, and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.
About the 2025 theme - Bridging Now to Next
This year’s theme “Bridging Now to Next” emphasises the continuous connection between the past, present and future. It encourages all Australians to look ahead, drawing strength from past lessons to guide future actions. In the accompanying artwork by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants – known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity – symbolise resilience and renewal. This theme invites us to reflect, grow, and commit to walking together towards a united and respectful nation.
Download the Reconciliation Week teams backgrounds for you next meeting! You can find them, and some posters for your office or work site, linked below.
More can be found about this year’s theme via the official NRW website.
Get involved with Reconciliation Australia's Branch Installation Activity!
We invite all employees to join us in commemorating National Reconciliation Week by participating in a branch installation activity. We encourage each of you to write a personal reflection on your reconciliation journey and the next steps you will take to advance reconciliation in your workplace. We would love to see the pledge displayed in your office or worksite as a reminder of the continuing journey we are on.
Check out the Activity Learning guide and template below.
More ways you can get involved
There are numerous ways you can actively engage with National Reconciliation Week and contribute to the reconciliation process:
- Attend events: Look out for events and activities happening in your local community or online to commemorate National Reconciliation Week. These events may include cultural performances, panel discussions, workshops, and storytelling sessions. Check out some of the events via the Reconciliation Australia website.
- Take the time to learn: Take advantage of educational resources available to deepen your understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, and issues. This could include books, documentaries, podcasts, online courses, and articles from reputable sources.
We also run monthly First Nations Cultural Awareness Training, Facilitated by our National Social Inclusion Manager, Lynette Graham (Dunghutti woman from Kempsey NSW) which we encourage all employees to attend. To book into a session click here. - Support First Nations businesses: Show your support for First Nations businesses by purchasing products and services from First Nations owned enterprises. This not only contributes to economic empowerment but also helps foster greater recognition and appreciation of First Nations entrepreneurship. Supply Nation is a great source of information on verified First Nations businesses.
- Community engagement: Consider volunteering your time or skills to support First Nations led initiatives and organizations working towards reconciliation and empowerment. This could involve mentoring programs, community development projects, or advocacy campaigns.
- Reflect and discuss: Take time to reflect on your own attitudes, biases, and privilege, and engage in open and respectful discussions with colleagues, friends, and family members about reconciliation. Creating space for dialogue and learning can lead to greater awareness and empathy.
Coming soon: Programmed Facility Management's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Launch
We’re proud to announce that Programmed Facility Management’s Reconciliation Action Plan is complete. It is a meaningful milestone in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation with First Nations peoples.
Now in the Innovate phase, we’re focused on building strong foundations: deepening relationships with First Nations communities, expanding cultural learning, and launching practical initiatives that drive inclusion.
A key part of this journey is our RAP Working Group, a passionate team that helps embed these values across our business.
Stay tuned for the official film launch and more details on how we’re bringing this plan to life and how you can get involved.
Let’s create lasting change - for Programmed and the communities we serve.
Toolbox Talk
Read more about what National Reconciliation Week is all about and how you can celebrate it locally. Please also share amongst your teams over the coming weeks.
Passionate about Diversity Days? Become a Local Diversity Day Champion!
If you're passionate about celebrating diversity and want to champion it at your local branch or office, we encourage you to sign up as a Local Diversity Day Champion. This role allows you to help celebrate significant diversity days in a meaningful way within your team, whether through organizing events, hosting activities, or fostering discussions.
You’ll receive information and resources to make these celebrations inclusive and engaging, while working alongside local leadership teams to ensure greater participation. If you're passionate about promoting diversity, sign up today and help make a difference!
Together, let us embrace the spirit of National Reconciliation Week and work towards a future where reconciliation is not just a goal but a lived reality.
Thank you for joining us in this important initiative as we strive to build a more just and inclusive future for all.
Best regards,
Mark Rademaker
Head of HR & Corporate Services
Lynette Graham
National Social Inclusion Manager
