Reconciliation Week Events 2025 for Bendigo & surrounds

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. NRW remains 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 High Court Mabo decision. The theme for this year's National Reconciliation Week is Bridging Now to Next. 

Reconciliation Week Stall at Bendigo Health 

Tuesday 27 May, 11am – 12pm & Thursday 29th May 10am – 11am in the Atrium 

Visit Bendigo Health’s Reconciliation Week stall at Foundation Space on the ground floor of the hospital, view the artwork of Uncle Dennis Baksh and collect resources for Reconciliation Week. 

Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival 

Full program 

Festival Launch and Koorie Youth Flick Fest Awards 

Tuesday 27 May, 4.30pm Bendigo Library 

Join us at the Bendigo Library lawn for the Festival’s official opening with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. This event also includes a special awards ceremony for this year’s Koorie Youth Flick Fest, marking five years of the Flick Fest with screenings of all past and current winners.    

The Bendigo Reconciliation & Allies Committee hosts a public forum to discuss and understand systemic racism, unconscious bias and its impact on First Nations communities. Event features short films and an update on the Bendigo Reconciliation & Allyship Action Plan.   

Reconciliation Week in Castlemaine and Surrounds Reconciliation Week events and Sorry Day in Mount Alexander region - at the foothills of Liyanganyuk Banyul - are coordinated by Friends of Nalderun in partnership with Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation, Mount Alexander Shire Council and a diverse range of local organisations. Nalderun is an Aboriginal run and led organisation based within the Upper Loddon, running a broad range of Cultural educational programs and services under the guidance of Chair Uncle Rick Nelson. ‘Nalderun’ is a Dja Dja Wurrung word which means ‘all together’, because we believe by moving forward together we can make the change needed for our children, our mob and the wider community in the Mount Alexander region to thrive. We invite you to support us in caring for Culture, Country and Community. Learn more about Nalderun and our programs, or to donate go to www.nalderun.net.au 

Book Talk - ‘Indigenous Knowledge: Australian Perspectives’ Monday 26 May, 6.30pm Phee Broadway Theatre, Mechanics Lan Castlemaine FREE FOR MOB A reading and discussion on a new book edited by Prof. Marcia Langton, Prof. Aaron Corn, and Dr Samuel Curkpatrick. Nalderun CEO Kath Coff will lead a conversation with the book’s co-editor Dr Samuel Curkpatrick. Fundraiser for Nalderun & presented by Northern Books.  

Reconciliation Week Launch 

Tuesday 27 May, 10am, FREE EVENT FOR PUBLIC, Info Centre at Market Building, Castlemaine. Join us for the opening of the Annual Reconciliation Week event and Art Exhibition. Uncle Rick Nelson will Welcome us to Country. Mount Alexander Shire’s CEO, Darren Fuzzard, will share his reflections on Reconciliation Week. The annual Nalderun Awards will be presented, and Uncle Ron Murray will speak about his book,“Balranald Boy”. Morning tea will be accompanied by music from Solomon Island singers. 

Sing Solid Rock with Shane Howard 

Tuesday 27 May, 2.30pm FREE EVENT FOR PUBLIC Steps of Market Building, Castlemaine. Come and sing this year’s nation wide song for Reconciliation Week ‘Solid Rock’ with Shane Howard, his granddaughters and singers from the South School and other local schools. 

Uncle Rick’s Reconciliation Week Walk for Health care card Holders only 

Wednesday 28 May, 10am – 11.30am Market Building, Castlemaine On this tour you will learn about the significant sites within the Castlemaine CBD and gain insight into the two-worlds view as shared from Uncle Rick’s perspective. 

Book Talk, Professor Barry Golding; Six Peaks Speak 

Thursday 29 May, 5.30pm – 6.30pm at Castlemaine Library Explores 200 years of change in southern Dja Dja Wurrung's ancient peaks, highlighting their cultural and natural significance. 

Book at Goldfields Library website. 

Reconciliation Walk 

Friday 30 May, 12 - 2pm departs from the Chewton CFA (Mount Street) Join us as we walk along the Leanganook Walking Track to Me Mandook Galk, to reflect on Reconciliation, anti-racism and the connection between past, present and future. Walkers finish at Me Mandook Galk where we ask you to make a commitment to be a voice for positive change in our local community. Hosted by Chewton Primary Join us as we walk along Forest Creek to reflect on what Reconciliation and anti-racism means. Walkers finish at Me Mandook Galk where we ask you to make a commitment to be a voice for positive change in our local community. Hosted by Chewton Primary School. 

WaaMan Cultural Tour 

Saturday 31 May, Market Building, Castlemaine Join Jaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson as we explore sacred sites, share ancestral stories, and celebrate the vibrant living culture of Jaara people. Book here

Culture, Privilege & Racism 

Monday 2 June, 2pm – 3.30pm at Castlemaine Library A Cultural Conversation facilitated by John Bonnice. Book at Goldfields Library website