National Reconciliation Week (27th of May - 3rd of June) is a time for us to reflect and work towards making change for the benefit of all Australians. This year's theme of #BeBraveMakeChange is integral to both the Wesfarmers and Coregas vision. Wesfarmers is one of the nation's largest employers of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders since publishing its Reconciliation Action Plan in 2009. By increasing diversity within our supplier bases as a goal in the Action Plan, we are making change within the economic prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and communities, and within Wesfarmers' ability to further develop a broader range of supplier relationships. This focus is shared by Coregas and continues to be a priority for us.
27 May to 3 June 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.
These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
27 May – On this day, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90% of Australians give the vote to the Australian Government’s power to make laws for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise their census.
3 June -- On this day, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘ terra nullius’ ( land belonging to no one ) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme ‘Be Brave. Make a Change’ – is a challenge to all Australians – individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
We all can contribute to making a change beginning with brave actions in our daily lives – where we live, work, play and socialise. We can take the following actions every day of the year, not just during the Reconciliation Week - 2022: Actions to Make Change - National Reconciliation Week 2022