This week, 27 May to 3 June, is National Reconciliation Week, and the theme, ‘All In’, invites all Australians to walk together, every single day, wholeheartedly, to reconciliation.
In 1967, a successful Referendum was held in which Australians voted to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the census, and in 1992, the Mabo decision recognised Native Title. Although 25 years apart, these two significant events occurred during this calendar week and, when you think about it, not really that long ago.
I am writing this as a Kartiya (meaning ‘non-Indigenous person’ in various NT and WA First Peoples languages), with a skin name belonging to Yiyili mob. For those of us working in rural and remote locations, reconciliation is embedded in the work we do. It develops through the relationships we build, through conversations, and by staying curious. There are also times when we may feel apprehensive, wanting to ‘get it right’, or worry about saying or doing ‘the wrong thing’, and sometimes not knowing what to do, which is always difficult, as we know that connection matters.
Reconciliation asks us to stay open and curious, even if we don’t know exactly what to do. I often refer to this as ‘clunking’: working something out. When you clunk around with respect, curiosity, and openness to being guided, the clunking will fade away until that knowledge is revealed. Having the desire to maintain a connection with others during this time will help lead the way.
Reconciliation Australia invites all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to remain curious as to how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia (Reconciliation Australia, 2026).
As Paul Kelly sings, “From little things, big things grow.” We can start small by:
- Finding out the First Peoples country you are living and/or working on and learning about some of the history.
- When you Acknowledge Country, let it help ground you in the moment.
- Respectfully using correct names and language, and if you don’t know, ask! Language is not my specialty, but I must say I have a good laugh with friends when they are trying to teach me.
- Take time to build trust with people. Do not assume that because you may be in scrubs or sitting behind a desk, you are an ‘expert’. Listen to the person in front of you, as they are the expert on themselves.
- Ask about the story of the land and people of where you are, preferably from a local person. Respect each person’s culture. It goes a long way in building trust.
The impact of colonisation, dispossession, and intergenerational trauma continues to be very present in Australia today. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that strengthens relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous peoples and works to bring all Australians closer together.
There is so much strength, knowledge and wisdom in First Peoples cultures that can guide us and inform the work we do. Reconciliation is not about being better or perfect, but about walking alongside each other, being present, learning from and respecting each other.
So, maybe this week, take some time to reflect on what reconciliation looks like in your workplace. Where do you already have strong connections? Where would you like to work on those? What is one thing you could do this week where you walk alongside someone else or allow someone to walk next to you, on this journey?
Further information is available at Reconciliation Australia.
We cannot change the past; however, we can work toward a future where all Australians walk together with respect and trust for one another.
Stay curious, brave, and kind,
MC Mandile (she/her)
Senior Psychologist, Mental Health & Wellbeing
References
Reconciliation Australia. (2026). National Reconciliation Week. https://www.reconciliation.org.au/
