It’s National Reconciliation Week this week (27 May to 3 June) – 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.
There are several events happening in Onkaparinga where you can get involved (see below), with the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 being, All In, 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 all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.
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.
“In Onkaparinga, we’re marking the occasion with the adoption of our new Reconciliation Action Plan or RAP,” says Onkaparinga Mayor, Moira Were.
“RAPs are a framework by Reconciliation Australia that guide how organisations embed reconciliation in their everyday work,” she says.
“We delivered our first RAP (Reflect) between 2022–2024, which focused on learning, listening and building strong foundations.
“The new Innovate RAP 2026–28 outlines how the council will translate its reconciliation commitments into practical, accountable actions that strengthen relationships, deepen respect, and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“I’m also excited about presenting the Mayor’s Reconciliation Week Recognition Awards on Wednesday 3 June, to recognise individuals, groups, community organisations and businesses that have made a significant contribution to reconciliation across the community – in whatever way and whatever area of endeavour.”
There are several of free events happening in Onkaparinga that you can take part in, including the annual Nunga Screen short film event at the Hopgood Theatre on Wednesday 27 May; and a Yarning Circle event with Naomi Hicks and Maureen Humes from Spirit in Unity at Woodcroft Library on Thursday 28 May; as well as regular programmed events (a Yarnin Circle and Southern Nunga Men’s Group) at Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Head to onkaparingacity.com/reconciliation for more information.
In other recent reconciliation news, the Southern Football League's (SFL) ongoing commitment to reconciliation will see its Stronger Together: Reconciliation through Football initiative receive council funding for the next 3 years through a triennial Partnerships Program grant – part of the council's revised Onkaparinga Grants program that launched in July 2025.
The initiative will use the reach of community football to build understanding, respect and visibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across the SFL.
The project aims to strengthen inclusion and deepen cultural recognition, embedding reconciliation in grassroots sport to create a more respectful, connected and culturally aware football league. It will include Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week activities such as painted centre-square flags, a league-wide Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, cultural competency training, and opportunities for Aboriginal players to share their stories.