National Reconciliation Week is over, but we keep building bridges
This year, as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, the WNSW PHN held events across all offices to honour and amplify National Reconciliation Week and its 2025 theme of Bridging Now to Next.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held between 27 May and 3 June, invites all Australians to learn about our shared history, and celebrate the resilience and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The campaign calls on all of us to consider the role we can all play in advancing reconciliation.
NRW in Dubbo
While not part of National Reconciliation Week, our team held a stall at the Sorry Day event in Dubbo hosted by the Dubbo Aboriginal Medical Service on 26 May. We enjoyed engaging with the community, and hearing from Aunty Silvia on her lived experience as a Stolen Generations survivor. The Tubba-gah Wiradjuri dancers put on a spectacular performance.
On 28 May, our Dubbo office took part in a powerful cultural learning yarning session led by Paul Carr and Shane Riley from the Three Rivers Regional Assembly - TRRA, with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Marg. We listened to deeply personal stories from Paul about his family, learned about the cultural significance of scar, carve and birthing trees, and discussed some of the many sacred sites across our region.
We are sincerely grateful to Paul, Shane, and Aunty Marg for their generosity in sharing their stories and knowledge. This knowledge enriches our understanding of the land we live and work on, and inspires us to foster cultural safety, advocate for equity, and support improved health outcomes across our communities.
“One of the most impactful moments was the unique smoking ceremony – crushing gum leaves between our hands and breathing in the calming eucalyptus scent, creating a moment of reflection and connection to Country” said Executive Manager of Corporate Services Graeme Allen.
NRW in Orange
On 30 May, our Orange team hosted a morning tea for staff, Elders and community members to reflect on this year’s theme and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
We were honoured to begin with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Neil, grounding our gathering in respect and connection and deepening our understanding of history and the land we live and work on.
Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Lewis Bird said that the meaningful discussion allowed staff to understand that reconciliation is more than a morning tea, it’s about taking real, ongoing steps toward systemic change, even when the path is long.
“We were reminded that a marathon starts with just a few steps,” Lewis said.
In a powerful moment of commitment, staff and attendees wrote personal messages of reconciliation on original Sea of Hands from Canberra, planting them on our front lawn as a visual symbol of our dedication to walk this journey together.
NRW in Broken Hill
WNSW PHN Aboriginal Health Council representative, Cory Paulson attended the third annual Broken Hill Community march on 28 May. Over 300 individuals, including local primary and high school students, community members, and representatives from local services, participated in the march from Town Square to Sturt Park.
These marches are a powerful display of local commitment to reconciliation, providing a visual echo of the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge walk in 2000. The historic Sydney Harbour Bridge walk saw more than 200,000 Australians march with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a profound demonstration for change.
“The significant turnout this year underscored the widespread support for stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the community within Broken Hill,” said Corey.
The post-march event at Sturt Park transformed into a vibrant community gathering, further solidifying the themes of unity and respect.
Kylah White, Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Manager, also delivered cultural awareness training to the WNSW PHN Broken Hill team to mark NRW. The session fostered open and respectful yarns, enabling participants to engage meaningfully with the content and each other.
“The feedback from the session highlighted good learning outcomes, with many of our staff expressing greater cultural awareness,” Kylah said.
NRW in Bathurst
On Friday 30 May, some of the Bathurst team joined the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council fun run event with up to 1,000 locals including primary school students! The group ran and walked around the Wambuul (Macquarie) River and enjoyed a sausage sizzle.
“It was a beautiful day for a fun run, with our team collectively clocking up 42km of running and walking for reconciliation.
“I was proud to see our team enthusiastically participate in such a special community display of reconciliation” said WNSW PHN CEO Brad Porter.
On 3 June, we wrapped up NRW with an event in our Bathurst office with staff joined by the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation.
We were honoured to participate in a truth telling session about history and the ongoing impacts of colonisation led by Tonilee Scott and members of the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council, who shared their unique perspectives and family experiences.
“We are humbled by the openness and the learning opportunity the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council has offered us. We look forward to continuing to engage and build relationships to best serve health outcomes in the community,” said WNSW PHN CEO Brad Porter.
Keep building the bridge
National Reconciliation Week may be over, but the work continues.
Reconciliation is not a moment in time. It’s a journey we must continually walk together, grounded in action, accountability and respect.
It’s become clear that National Reconciliation Week is not an event, it is action. This year’s theme of Bridging Now to Next is about maintaining momentum for the long term.
At WNSW PHN, we’re committed to reconciliation – building relationships, showing respect, and creating opportunities in partnership with Aboriginal communities across our region.
Since launching our two-year Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in November last year, we’re proud to share that over 50% of our deliverables are already completed, in progress or ongoing.
We look forward to continuing to grow the new connections we’ve made to deliver better health outcomes in the community.
Every step reflects our commitment to meaningful, lasting change.
Watch our full Reconciliation Action Plan launch video here: https://youtu.be/uvuDJgU1wk8?si=Ok5Hya8Ps_HJm23K or the recap below: