National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week 2026
This year, the NSW Department of Education celebrates the 25th anniversary of Reconciliation Australia. With the theme “All In”, this milestone highlights the importance of genuine engagement and ongoing collaboration as key drivers behind advancing meaningful principles of reconciliation.
Talking about lived experience for people who have experienced discrimination, particularly intersectionality, can generate unwanted thoughts and feelings. If you are experiencing this, please make sure you prioritise your wellbeing.
Talk to a colleague, friend, family member; someone who makes you feel safe. You can also access individual counselling services with the department’s Employee Assistance Program on 1800 951 198. You can also call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. Talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter on 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 phone line).
National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day, held every year on 26 May, acknowledges the Stolen Generations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families. On this day, we remember the painful history and the lasting impact of past government policies on families and communities. We also honour the strength and courage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging the healing that comes from saying sorry and facing the past together.
It also marks the day the landmark Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Federal Parliament in 1997. This was the first chance for survivors to tell their stories and have their pain publicly acknowledged.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for us all to learn, reflect, and take action to create a more just and inclusive Australia, acknowledging the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June, marking both the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision – two key moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey.
Each year, 27 May marks the anniversary of the successful 1967 Referendum. A resounding 91 per cent of Australians voted ‘Yes’ to change the Constitution so that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population. It also gave the Commonwealth Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The hard work of many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander campaigners and activists contributed greatly to the resounding ‘Yes’.
Mabo Day is held yearly on June 3, commemorating the successful High Court decision to overturn the legal concept of terra nullius or ‘land belonging to no-one’ in 1992, following a 10-year legal case led by activist and Mer Island man Eddie Mabo.
This decision recognised Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander occupation of Australia, acknowledged their rights to their land and waters, and paved the way for native title in Australia.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'All In'. It calls on all of us to commit to advancing principles of reconciliation by moving from intention into action. It reminds us that the principles of reconciliation are a shared responsibility and we all have a role in building a future grounded in truth, respect and equity.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Reconciliation Australia, established in 2001 to provide national leadership on the principles of reconciliation. This followed the bridge walk in 2000 where around 300,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of reconciliation. It is a significant milestone and moment to acknowledge our ongoing journey toward reconciliation and our commitment to deepening collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and families in public education.
For the department, “All In” is a powerful reminder that the principles of reconciliation centre on being a shared responsibility, where each one of us can play a part. We encourage all staff to build on these collective efforts for this year and reflect on how you can personally contribute.
What’s on
For department staff:
Learning Café – All In for Reconciliation
Join us for a Learning Café where we will come together for a meaningful yarn about the department’s work advancing the principles of reconciliation, with a focus on this year’s theme, ‘All In’.
A panel interview with Luke Allan (Acting Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Initiatives), Leah Anderson (Acting Executive Director Talent Capability and Performance) and Renee Moore (Aboriginal Policy and Strategy Manager Aboriginal Early Years Outcomes)
Learn about the history of National Reconciliation Week celebrating 25 years
Next steps for the department
Understanding what you can do to advance the principles of reconciliation.
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 10–11 am
Register: Enrol via MyPL
Unable to make it live? A recording will be available for on-demand access after the event.
Get involved
Reconciliation resources (staff only)
Join the Viva Engage Reconciliation Action Plan Group.
Download Teams background (staff only)
Share NRW celebrations
Share how your school, team, or workplace is recognising NRW on Viva Engage using #NRW2026 and #AllIn.
Reconciliation resources
Listen to, watch or read about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture, history and perspectives through music, podcast, films and books by Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Visit Reconciliation resources for a full list.
Acknowledgement of Country
Learn more about acknowledging Country and the difference between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country.
Download MS Teams backgrounds
Help spark conversations by downloading and using the 2026 National Reconciliation Week Teams background. It’s a small but visual way to demonstrate your commitment to reconciliation.
Join the conversation
Everyone in the department is welcome to join the Viva Engage Reconciliation Action Plan Group. It is a great place to take part in the conversation about reconciliation.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders employees are warmly invited to join the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employee Network by visiting Mirrung Network on Viva Engage and requesting to join.
For other queries, please contact rap@det.nsw.edu.au.
National Reconciliation Week 2026 MS Teams Backgrounds
Last modified date
26/05/2026
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