NOFASD’s second Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan has recently been submitted for approval to Reconciliation Australia. NOFASD, as an organisation of more than 25 years, values our longstanding commitment to fostering positive change and inclusivity within our community. We are excited to continue our journey towards reconciliation, building on the strong foundation we have already established.
We will continue to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to ensure our work remains respectful, accessible, inclusive and culturally appropriate.
As part of our reconciliation journey, NOFASD is dedicated to supporting and raising awareness about FASD, while also helping to reduce health inequities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. NOFASD recognises that FASD is statistically more prevalent in some of these communities. As a result, many families are judged harshly and incorrect assumptions are made.
We are actively working to dispel these associated myths through workshops and presentations, and by engaging and educating professionals across the health, justice, and education sectors. It is also important to recognise that due to the ongoing effects of colonisation resulting in trauma, FASD and the harms caused by alcohol use have placed an additional burden on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We will continue to work in partnership with organisations and communities to ensure that we are creating culturally safe practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, making them accessible for people seeking advice, guidance or information about FASD.
National Reconciliation Week 2025
NOFASD is committed to participating in National Reconciliation Week events to learn about our shared histories and cultures, and ways in which we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
In the coming weeks, NOFASD will show our support by expanding our knowledge and understanding of the rich, diverse histories, culture and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We will also be sharing and displaying National Reconciliation Week 2025 resources across social media posts, web banners, virtual meeting backgrounds, and staff email signatures.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, highlights the ongoing connection between past and present. It encourages us to look ahead, learn from the past, and continue pushing forward. This theme calls all Australians to take meaningful steps together towards reconciliation.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week leads with National Sorry Day on 26 May. This day marks the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report being tabled in the Australian Parliament in 1997. National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for people to come together in reflection and support, acknowledging the journey towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.
National Reconciliation Week is observed annually from 27 May – 3 June. These dates recognise two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey.
- The 1967 Referendum (27 May 1967): Over 90% of Australian voted ‘Yes’ to support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the National Census and granted the Federal Government the power to make laws for all Australians.
- The High Court Mabo Decision took place on 3 June, the High Court ruling in favour of Eddie Koiki Mabo, recognising Native Title Rights and overturning the principle of ’terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one). This decision affirmed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have inherent rights to their land, predating British colonisation and still existing today.
These events are powerful reminders of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the recognition of First Nations rights, history and culture.