National Reconciliation Week 2025

27 May to 3 June 2025 is National Reconciliation Week, a national initiative run by Reconciliation Australia to acknowledge the importance of reconciliation between the wider Australian community and First Nations People.

The theme this year is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.  At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.

In support of National Reconciliation Week this year Council is installing street banners in Long Jetty and on Brian McGowan Bridge which feature the work of local school students created through the Maliga program. 

The four designs were created by First Nations students from Berkeley Vale Secondary College (The Eagle), Kincumber High School (The Sun), Kincumber Public School (The Sun), Wadalba Community School (The Ocean) and Wyong High School (The Magpie). 

The designs are site specific and were completed during an Artist in Residence program as part of Council’s First Nations arts and culture program, Maliga - meaning ‘shine’ in Darkinjung language.

In addition, some of our Libraries are offering engaging activities across National Reconciliation Week for children to participate in to help foster cultural understanding and respect while being fun and creative. 

We acknowledge reconciliation is ongoing and Council continues to take steps towards reconciliation with First Nations People and has adopted Central Coast First Nations Accord and supports the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) to strengthen the relationship between Council, Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Local First Nations community. 

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation and the Accord and the AAC is our commitment to a more collaborative future.

Book a library activity - Reconciliation Week: Indigenous Inspired Scratch Art at Lake Haven Library | Libraries

Learn about the Central Coast First Nations Accord - Central Coast First Nations Accord | Central Coast Council

Learn about Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Aboriginal Advisory Committee | Central Coast Council