What is National Sorry Day?
National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. National Sorry Day is a time to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, reflect on the ongoing impacts of past government policies, and stand together in recognition of Survivors’ enduring strength, resilience and courage.
What is 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, commemorating two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
Reconciliation is everyone’s business and National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in all walks of Australian life. The theme for 2026 is All in, which is a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation every single day. All In reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights is a shared responsibility for all of us.
Join us at events at Bendigo and Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
Bendigo Campus (Dja Dja Wurrung)
| Event | When | Where |
| Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation at the Bendigo campus. This ceremony acknowledges Aboriginal families, friends and Ancestors affected by the Stolen Generations. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Dress for cold weather. | Tuesday 26 May, 5pm – 7pm | Ironbark Centre, Bendigo Campus |
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus (Wurundjeri)
| Event | When | Where |
| Join us at La Trobe University’s National Sorry Day gathering, as we come together to acknowledge and reflect on this significant day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The program will include: – An Acknowledgement of Country – A Smoking Ceremony – An address from Dr Michael Donovan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Associate Professor; alongside additional speakers – Morning tea to follow at Ngarn-gi Bagora | Tuesday 26 May, 10am – 11:30am | Agora, Melbourne (Bundoora Campus) |
| Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja Indigenous Research Centre, will host a University‑wide broadcast event on 16 June featuring Barry Firebrace‑Briggs, a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. The presentation, “Gellung Warl – Treaty for Generations” will provide staff and students with an overview of the new representative and deliberative body for Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria and insights into the next steps for Treaty, drawing on Barry’s experience within the Assembly. Find out more. | Tuesday 16 June, 10:30am – 11:30am | Hoogenraad Lecture Theatre, LIMS1-101, Melbourne (Bundoora Campus) |