The Transit Lounge

National Reconciliation Week, 27 May – 3 June provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the reconciliation process, what it means, why we need it and how we might participate in it. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2008 is Reconciliation: it’s all our story.

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 2000 by the former Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. It is the peak national organisation that promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians RA works in association a range of groups and organisations to address the "unfinished business" of reconciliation. These are currently represented in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. 

To support the work of Reconciliation Australia you can:

• Donate
• Take part in events (listed on the online events calendar)
• Get involved in groups via the state reconciliation councils. 
• Find out more...

Reconciliation resources

The Uniting Church in Australia has developed several resources for use by congregations, faith groups, presbyteries and community service organisations in relation to Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.

Uniting Church President, Rev Gregor Henderson, celebrated the Federal Government’s apology to the Indigenous people of Australia.

“Reconciliation is the heart of the gospel,” Gregor says. “Through the gift of Jesus Christ, God has acted to bring us into right relationship with God and with each other. God asks us to act always in the interests of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).”

The reconciliation resources include liturgical material and a booklet, Building Partnerships: A guide to covenant renewal with Indigenous people throughout the Uniting Church in Australia, which facilitates the exploration of relationships across the church and encourages conversation and action.

Access the resources...

ReconciliACTION

The ReconciliACTION Network is a volunteer network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people aged 16 – 29.

The Network is not-for-profit, does not have recurrent funding and relies on fundraising, donations and in-kind support from organisations such as the NSW Reconciliation Council and Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation.

Its aims include community education, advocacy, support for young people working to overcome racism in their local communities and skills and leadership development.

A Victorian reconciliation youth network called Re-ACTION will be launched in Melbourne during Reconciliation Week.

Find out more...

Indigenous Hospitality House

Indigenous Hospitality House (IHH) is another impressive youth initiative. Its eight young residents offer a peaceful, homely atmosphere for Indigenous people supporting a family member in Melbourne’s hospitals.

Supported by the Church of All Nations and overseen by the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, the IHH is supported by Christians of various denominations, other groups, individuals and volunteers.

Founded in 2001, the IHH has since received 736 guests from across Australia.

Find out more...