National Reconciliation Week
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty-making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need a connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
Now more than ever, Reflections Holidays is deeply committed to advancing the reconciliation movement. Please join us to celebrate Reconciliation Week.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year - 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 Referendum, and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision
National Reconciliation Week events near our parks
There are various events happening for NRW around New South Wales, including:
- Guwayu Exhibition in Mudgee (close to Reflections Cudgegong River)
- UCRH Reconciliation Week Research Symposium in Lismore (close to Reflections Ballina, Reflections Shaws Bay and Reflections Lennox Head)
- The Central Coast Reconciliation Gathering 2024 in Gosford (close to Norah Head Lighthouse)
- Reconciliation Week Community Colour Run Tamworth (close to Reflections Lake Keepit)
- Muswellbrook Annual Aboriginal Flag Raising (close to Reflections Lake Glenbawn)
How Reflections is celebrating
The NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce has been invited to participate in a discussion about reconciliation and how working with Aboriginal businesses and suppliers positively contributes towards reconciliation. Emma McKenny, Executive Manager Learning and Development at Reflections Holidays, will host the Lunch and Learn session which will be live streamed for all employees to join in.
NRW provides an opportunity to build awareness of past significant including National Sorry Day (26 May) and the Mabo Treaty (3 June), as well as National Reconciliation Week itself. A series of emails will be shared with all employees on these significant days to help develop a greater understanding of why these events are significant and how they contribute to reconciliation.
Reconciliation NSW is hosting a virtual breakfast which will include an address by the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The Hon. David Harris MP will outline the NSW Government’s priorities for Aboriginal Affairs and a panel of Aboriginal community changemakers will discuss – Charting a Path Forward. Reflections Holidays has signed up to participate in this event. Michelle Griffin, Reflections CFO will host this event for Base Camp employees.
At our weekly One Team Meeting, an update will be provided on an overview of our Reconciliation journey to date including our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and our plans to progress our Innovate RAP later this year. We will also hear stories about the different Aboriginal Nations across NSW, where many of the 40 parks in our care are located.
Our holiday parks across NSW will create awareness of National Reconciliation Week by displaying posters in our parks and by encouraging guests to participate in local events.
Kangaroos can't move backwards
In 2023, we launched our first Reflections Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
It explores how we will use our sphere of influence to advance respect, relationships and opportunities, contributing to more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, now and for future generations.
