Now More Than Ever

27 May to 3 June is National Reconciliation Week in Australia. The 2024 theme, 'Now More Than Ever', is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will—and must—continue.

Today, and every day, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the places we work and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We honour the deep connection First Peoples have to our lands, waters, and sky, and we value their ongoing contribution to caring for Country.

Reconciliation Australia says “now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us,” and encourages supporters “to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.”

In 2022, we formalised our commitment to reconciliation through a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and our Country Working Group continues to look for ways our practice can listen to, and amplify, the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

There are numerous National Reconciliation Week events scheduled across Australia. Here are a few taking place near us:

Sydney

• 29 May – UTS Seminar: Tokenist, ally or accomplice? with Summer May Finlay.
• 29 May – Now More Than Ever: National Reconciliation Week Panel hosted by DesignInc Sydney.
• 1 June – City of Sydney Tribal Warrior Cultural Cruise.

Canberra

• 27 May – Reconciliation Day at Commonwealth Park.
• 28 May–26 July – Djaadjawan: Natalie Bateman at the COX Gallery.
• 1 June – Maring Ngala Walk with Wally Bell.

Melbourne         

• 30 May – Adventures in Design with Country Practical Panel Discussion hosted by ClarkeHopkinsClarke.
• 3 June – Whose land is it anyway?

The 'Now More Than Ever' design and artwork represent the momentum of the theme. The chevron, a universal symbol for pointing the way, signifies advancing as one as we look towards a reconciled future; and the vibrant artwork of Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie Douglas encourages connecting with one another, understanding and continuing to move forward. The 2024 design incorporating the artwork is by Carbon Creative.

Information for culturally and linguistically diverse communities is available in Arabic, simplified and traditional Chinese, Greek, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.