National Reconciliation Week 2026: Going ‘All In’ for reconciliation through culturally safe healthcare
“All In”, the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation through meaningful action, shared responsibility and genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
Despite the ongoing impacts of colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to demonstrate strength, resilience and deep cultural knowledge that supports health and wellbeing across the community. However, systemic inequities and barriers to culturally safe care continue to contribute to disparities in health outcomes and life expectancy between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
—Luke Booth, Senior Program Development Coordinator – First Nations, Brisbane South PHN,
This National Reconciliation Week, we encourage healthcare providers, partners and communities to go “All In” by continuing to listen, learn and take meaningful action that supports culturally safe healthcare and improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
The significance 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.
—Reconciliation Australia,
National Reconciliation Week begins on 27 May, commemorating the 1967 referendum, where the majority of Australians voted to remove discriminatory clauses about First Nations peoples from the Australian Constitution.
The week concludes on 3 June, marking the anniversary of the 1992 Mabo decision, which overturned the legal ruling that Australia was ‘land belonging to no-one’ at the time of British colonisation. The High Court of Australia recognised that First Nations peoples have continuing rights and connections to land and waters across Australia.
Throughout the week, communities and organisations across the country will take part in events, conversations and initiatives that promote understanding, reflection and reconciliation. These activities acknowledge our shared histories while recognising the ongoing work needed to build a more just, equitable and reconciled Australia.
Supporting reconciliation through culturally safe healthcare initiatives
Primary healthcare providers play an important role in supporting reconciliation through culturally safe, responsive and community-informed care for First Nations peoples.
Clinicians can access more information about local First Nations health initiatives and available support services through Brisbane South HealthPathways and Brisbane South PHN’s First Nations health resources.
Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH)
IUIH’s website contains information on available support services and multidisciplinary primary healthcare services across South East Queensland.
Balgah binay – Elders program
The Elders program, Balgah binay, delivered by Inala Wangarra, supports Elders, their families and carers through access to culturally appropriate health and aged care information and services that address cultural, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing.
Gunya Meta – First Nations Elders Healthy Ageing Program and First Nations Youth Support Program
Gunya Meta delivers tailored support, information and group activities that promote healthy ageing and wellbeing for First Nations Elders.
Its Youth Support Program provides coordinated support for First Nations peoples who are at risk of or impacted by suicide. Through established referral pathways and partnerships, the program strengthens connections to culture, community and heritage for First Nations young people and their families.
More information and resources
Enrol in our free cultural awareness training for primary care, allied health and commissioned services.
Visit Brisbane South HealthPathways to access their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health pathways.
Visit RACGP’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health page.