The week of 27 May - 3 June marks National Reconciliation Week and 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.
This year’s theme All In is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. All In makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that reconciliation requires action, accountability and real engagement from all of us.
The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a passive activity, and it is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people, who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.
Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us showing up every day.
There are some fantastic events taking place around Geelong to mark National Reconciliation Week. Come together, participate, share space, and walk together.
Beyond the Badge: Geelong Arts and Culture Precinct Reconciliation Week Event
Wed 27 May, 1pm – 3:30pm
Platform Arts, Free
Platform Arts and Barwon Water present Beyond the Badge, an immersive arts experience that invites participants to challenge perceptions of identity, authority, and belonging. Led by Platform Arts guest curator, Jessi Rebel, participants will explore works exhibiting as part of Yarrangany and then have the opportunity to participate in a workshop that explores what lies beneath labels and uniforms - centering First Nations voices, stories, and lived realities.
Moving beyond symbolic gestures, this work creates space for reflection, dialogue, and deeper understanding. Beyond the Badge asks: what do we see when we look past the surface? And how can truth-telling through creative practice open pathways toward genuine reconciliation?
Q&A with Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson - How to Be a Good Ally
Thursday 28 May, 6pm – 7pm
Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library, Free
In this special Reconciliation Week event, Boonwurrung, Wemba Wemba and Wergia Elder, Aunty Fay Muir, together with co-author, Sue Lawson, shares the importance of allies for First Nations people and what it takes to be an ally.
Reconciliation in The Park
Sunday 31 May, 10am - 3pm
Johnstone Park, Free
Family activities. Delicious food. Market stalls. Live music.
Reconciliation in The Park is an annual self-determined, community-led event filled with connection, Culture and learning. This free event that welcomes everyone to come together, listen deeply, celebrate resilience and walk forward with respect and action.
Visit www.facebook.com/recinthepark to learn more and to get involved.
Yarrangany
Exhibition open until Saturday 11 June: M - F 9am - 4:30pm | Sat 10am - 4pm
Platform Arts, Free
Yarrangany is a collective exhibition curated by Jessi Rebel, honouring the deep, living foundations that shape First Nations identities across the world. The word “yarrangany,” translating to “roots” in Wiradjuri language, speaks to ancestry, Country, language, memory, and the unseen systems that hold us, beneath the surface, across generations, and beyond borders.
Yarrangany includes works by the following First Nations artists:
Bianca Blackburn, Britt Silvester, Idris McChesney, Jessi Rebel (curator), Karlia May, Kelsey Love, Kiri Tawhai, Lisa Evans, Nikki McKenzie, Ra Ramsis Farag, Thaedra Frangos.
Yarrangany also has multiple events and workshops throughout May to July.
- Wowak (Breathe) with Kiri Tawhai - Fri 29 May
- ‘Joy Work’ in Desperate Times - Fri 29 May
- Blak Out Poetry - Most Saturdays throughout May to July
- Pecha Kucha Night - Thy 9 July
- Indigenous Grass Terrarium Making - Sat 13 June
Yarra Street Window Gallery
Until 11 July 2026, Free
Market Square building (between Malop and Little Malop streets)
The Yarra Street Window Gallery transforms the Market Square building (between Malop and Little Malop streets) into a 24-hour art experience. The current exhibition celebrates First Nations Artists living and/or working on Wadawurrung Country, and includes work by Jess McDonald, Tracy Pocock, Dr Deanne Gilson, Michelle Searle, Moreen Wellington-Lyons, Djamari Hunter and Lowell Hunter (Salty One), Kiri Tawhai and Jessi Rebel.
Reconciliation Week 2026 Artwork Credit
This year’s artwork is by renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey, who applied his distinctive style to create a colourful and optimistic visual representation of people from all walks of life being ‘all in’ to make change.