The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) marked National Reconciliation Week 2026 by bringing staff and stakeholders together to listen, learn and strengthen relationships and shared values within our communities in our region.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme ‘All In’ challenges all Australians to see reconciliation not as something that happens for one week each year, but as an ongoing commitment that requires action, reflection and participation every day. Several WNSW PHN events for staff and stakeholders explored this year’s theme and the role each of us can play in advancing reconciliation.
Listening, learning and connecting in Orange
Our Orange National Reconciliation Week event was held on 5 June 2026 at the TAFE NSW Winhanganha Aboriginal Learning Centre. The event brought together 11 participants, including community members, partner organisations and WNSW PHN staff.
The morning began with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Neil, who shared reflections on reconciliation and the importance of building relationships and connection. Drawing on this year’s theme, Uncle Neil encouraged attendees to think about what being “all in” means to them personally and how each of us can contribute to reconciliation through our actions and interactions.
Participants also heard from Trevor Hazel, who shared his personal story and spoke about the formation of ‘Orange Together’, a local group established by non-Aboriginal community members committed to supporting reconciliation and contributing to positive change within their community.
The event concluded with a morning tea prepared by local Aboriginal owned business, Indigenous Cultural Adventures, providing an opportunity for informal conversation, connection and reflection. Discussions centred on how individuals, organisations and communities can continue taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation throughout the year.
Empowering emerging leaders in Bathurst
In Bathurst on 15 June 2026, WNSW PHN staff welcomed local teachers and 12 young Aboriginal students involved in one of 26 WNSW PHN-funded Yarning Group programs in Western and Far West NSW.
Staff were privileged to hear directly from students about their experiences, including a young participant who spoke about the positive impact the program has had on her confidence and personal development. The collective of young women performed for attendees as part of the Walan Yinaagirbang Dance Group, celebrating culture, identity and community connection.
The event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Aboriginal youth to have their voices heard and to strengthen cultural connections in ways that support their wellbeing and future aspirations.
Reflecting on relationships in Dubbo
At our Dubbo office event on 27 May 2026, staff came together to reflect on what reconciliation means to them and the role relationships play in creating lasting change.
The session explored the importance of building and strengthening relationships as a key focus of WNSW PHN’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–26. Staff were encouraged to consider practical ways they can develop stronger relationships with Aboriginal people, communities and organisations through their everyday work.
The discussion reinforced the idea that reconciliation is built through ongoing actions, conversations and partnerships, and that everyone has a role to play in advancing reconciliation within their own sphere of influence.
Advancing reconciliation through our RAP
The conversations and activities held during National Reconciliation Week reflect WNSW PHN’s broader commitment to reconciliation through our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our RAP focuses on building respectful relationships, creating opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities, and embedding culturally safe practices across our organisation. NAIDOC and Yarning Group grants programs across the Western and Far West NSW region demonstrate how these commitments are being translated into practical actions that support Aboriginal leadership, strengthen community connections and contribute to improved health outcomes.
The theme “All In” reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility. Through listening, learning, building relationships and supporting community-led initiatives, WNSW PHN remains committed to working alongside Aboriginal people and communities to improve health and wellbeing for communities across the region.
