Principal

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 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.  The theme for 2026 National Reconciliation Week is All In: encouraging daily, active commitment to reconciliation. The theme is a reminder that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights is not solely the responsibility of First Nations people but for all Australians to join together in building a more united and respectful nation. – Reconciliation Australia

At Camberwell Girls, we are committed to understanding and celebrating our First Nations culture and peoples. This journey challenges us to understand who we are as a nation as we look toward the future. Reconciliation is about relationships; grounded in truth and enabled by courage so we can walk together understanding the impact of laws and practices that have had devastating effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their families. The journey of reconciliation that challenges us as a nation to question who we are and the Australia we want to be, can be unifying and make us stronger. 

National Reconciliation Week was first celebrated in 1996 and falls between 27 May and 3 June.  These are two significant dates in the relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians:

• the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and Mabo Day (27 May)
• the anniversary of the 1992 High Court judgment in the Mabo Case (3 June)

National Reconciliation Week aims to give people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and to be united in our vision to succeed through strong relationships and a shared sense of what is fair and just. 

The path to reconciliation is a privilege to travel with our students; as educators we are so fortunate to witness their respect for culture and history, alongside their hope for the future and it is why we are so proud to celebrate National Reconciliation Week each year. This year we are particularly proud to officially launch the Reconciliation Australia endorsed Camberwell Girls Grammar School Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a copy of which can be viewed here.

Whilst we have been actively engaged in relationships and learning programs for several years, two years ago, under the leadership of Liza Steven’s, our First Nations Programs Coordinator, we decided to formally undertake the process to develop our own RAP to reflect our School’s formal and sustainable commitment to reconciliation. 

Liza’s RAP working team also included Tom Clark, Maria Litchfield, Jo Rittey, Shane Maycock, Daniel Loff, Christa Cook, Kath Woolcock, Nancy Robottom, Esther Wong, Georgia Biggs, Michele Linossier, Jennie Goad, Jacquie Little, Rachael Miller, Mia Olerhead, Kalvin Perry and Kylie Rose. We were also grateful to be supported by Murrundindi throughout the process.

Liza acknowledges that “the Camberwell Girls Grammar School RAP provides a clear framework to guide our actions to strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities within the classroom, across the School and in the wider community. The RAP also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to recognizing and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, supporting meaningful learning opportunities and contributing to a more just and equitable future.”

We look forward to developing these important actions in the coming years.

In 2026 the National Reconciliation Week, under Liza and her team have developed an exciting program that includes:

• Two special National Reconciliation Week Assemblies with the theme “All In” led by students to explain the ongoing importance of the week-long commemoration (Secondary and Junior School). A number of our First Nations’ students shared their own cultural knowledge, traditions and languages.
• Students in Years 9-12 participating in a volleyball round-robin at the annual Worawa Reconciliation Sports Carnival. Held at Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, the event offers students and staff the opportunity to come together in the true spirit of Reconciliation by embracing the spirit of unity and diversity through sport and encouraging social and cultural exchange. 
• The presentation of Reconciliation AFL Jumpers and Netball Bibs followed by a marngrook game.
• Scratch Art ‘Hands of Reconciliation’ activity inspired by the iconic ANTaR Sea of Hands led by Murrundindi to celebrate the publication of the CGGS Reconciliation Action Plan.
• The CGGS v CGSmarngrook game at Camberwell Grammar School, umpired by Murrundindi.
• A National Reconciliation Week BBQ to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, a community-led charity who works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote communities across Australia to create and publish culturally relevant books, resources, and programs in languages of their choice.

Reconciliation Week serves as an important occasion to promote an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of Reconciliation in developing a more connected community. Through the combined efforts of CGGS students and staff, we hope to experience a memorable week that honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and highlights the school’s ongoing commitment towards Reconciliation. 

With best wishes,

Debbie Dunwoody
Principal