IN THIS TOGETHER

​“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme says, we are ‘In this together’. That theme is resonating now in ways we could not have foreseen when it was developed last year, but it reminds us whether in a crisis or in reconciliation, we are all in this together,” Karen Mundine CEO, Reconciliation Australia

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What is the theme for 2020?

Reconciliation Australia announced the theme for National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2020 is In This Together. It encourages all Australians to reflect on the part they play – whether big or small – on our journey towards reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia’s chief executive, Karen Mundine, added that this year’s theme takes on a new meaning in the context of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures. “As this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme says, we are ‘In this together’. That theme is resonating now in ways we could not have foreseen when it was developed last year, but it reminds us whether in a crisis or in reconciliation, we are all in this together,” Mundine said.

“This year’s NRW 2020 will be entirely online, a way of life we have all become very familiar with in the past couple of months. “We are launching on Wednesday 27 May by asking everyone to take to social media to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Country so we can all be in this together, even when we’re apart physically.”

WorkPac’s contribution

WorkPac prides itself on its commitment to Reconciliation. We strive to engage with community wherever possible to assist with their needs and wants and to increase employment and training opportunities for our First Nations peoples. Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2020 clarifies our commitments and our team works daily to achieve these outcomes. With the support of our JobTrail division, the WorkPac Group has 7% Indigenous employment across its workforce and many valued partnerships with Aboriginal groups and organisations.

Reconciliation Australia has suggested 20 ways to be #InThisTogether in 2020. As a company, we are spread across regional and rural Australia with a lot of our staff still working from home during COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, our staff will work through these 20 suggestions to make sure they are all personally involved.

1. Connect online for the 

   at 

2. Tune Reconciliation Bridge Walks of 2000: Paving the path for reconciliationFacebook Live 12pm Thursday 28 May
3. In 9pm Friday 29 May
4. Capture 

5. Host an online screening of a 

6. Read your virtual copy of 

   on our website

7. Host a virtual book club or reading room with our reconciliation 

   reading list

8. Download the 

   to display in your virtual meetings

9. Download the poster 

10. Groove out or chill with our reconciliation channel on 

    during Reconciliation Week.

11. Learn more about 

    , 

    for NRW 2020

12. Read the 

    and share with your friends

13. Learn about the history of the 

    held across Australia 20 years ago

14. Share your photos and memories of the 

    on social with the hashtags: #InThisTogether2020 and #NRW2020

15. Watch the documentary 

    via Vimeo and check out their free screenings for schools

16. Follow Reconciliation Australia on social, and 

17. Cook a dish using native ingredients from your local area and share a photo

18. Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and enterprises

19. Get creative and hold your own virtual NRW 2020 event with family and friends

20. Stay safe and healthy, and be involved with your local community – because we are #InThisTogether2020.

*(all times AEST)

History of National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 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 NRW remain 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 respectively. NRW is preceded by National Sorry Day on 26 May.

This year also marks twenty years since the monumental display of support for reconciliation, when around 250,000 Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The People’s Walk for Reconciliation, (as the bridge walk was titled) had a profound impact on those who participated, and a roll-on effect around the country. By the end of the year 2000, the walks for reconciliation held right across the country became the largest display of public support for a single cause in Australian history.

For further information on NRW, please go to https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/