Bridging Now to Next: City of Stirling reflects on National Reconciliation Week 2025
This year’s theme – Bridging Now to Next – encouraged all Australians to step forward towards a more united and reconciled future.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025, held from 27 May to 3 June, was a meaningful time for the City of Stirling and communities across Australia. At a time when the nation’s path to reconciliation has faced challenges, this year’s theme – Bridging Now to Next – encouraged all Australians to step forward towards a more united and reconciled future.
To mark NRW, the City hosted several events focused on cultural learning, community connection and meaningful action.
On National Sorry Day – 26 May – the Naala Djookan Healing Centre and Sudbury Community House hosted a morning of cultural education and healing, including a traditional smoking ceremony.
More than 150 City employees, local Aboriginal Elders and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group members attending the NRW Breakfast, featuring a pop-up stall from local social group Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health.
Members of the community joined the Lake Gwelup Mooro Walking Tour, led by Wadjak Northside, offering a chance to learn about Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. A Community Planting Day at Carine Regional Open Space encouraged environmental action and cultural reflection. Stirling Libraries – Scarborough and Mirrabooka hosted Elders Storytime events, where local Elders read books by Aboriginal authors and shared cultural stories.
As part of the ongoing reconciliation journey, the City is finalising its fourth RAP, developed through the Dandjoo Wangkiny (Together Talking) engagement project. Between August and October 2024, the City held 21 engagement activities, hearing from approximately 500 community members. Their insights are shaping the direction of the new RAP, which will be presented to Council later this year.
Through these events and engagements, the City reaffirms its commitment to reconciliation – fostering respect, building understanding, and walking together towards a more inclusive future.
The City of Stirling acknowledges the Mooro Country as the traditional lands of the Wadjak Noongar people, whose deep connection to this place spans more than 45,000 years.
To learn more about NRW, visit www.recwa.org.au
Pictured (L-R): Dawn Gilchrist, Penne Yarran, Preston Culbong and Dianne Pereira at the National Reconciliation Week 2025 Breakfast.
