For me, the theme Now More Than Ever signifies that governments at all levels, corporates, organisations, philanthropists, and individuals who hold responsibility for the systems currently in place—whether through policies, programs, access to philanthropic funding, or simply as bystanders in workplaces or community settings—must accept and acknowledge past policies and practices. This includes recognising the impact of colonialism and its attempted destruction of the First Peoples of this country.

Now More Than Ever calls for truth-telling and taking concrete action, including relinquishing power where necessary and being authentic in those actions. It means taking steps to create a more equitable, just, and respectful future for First Nations peoples, which in turn benefits all of society.

This change must start at the roots: in our communities, in our educational settings, in workplaces across all sectors, and through media and other platforms. Performative actions are no longer acceptable; what is needed is true acknowledgment of the damaging policies and practices of the past, coupled with sincere efforts in truth-telling and forging a way forward for the First Nations peoples of this country.

Now is not the time for photo opportunities and talking, but rather the time for actions.

-Marla

In reflecting on the theme of Reconciliation Week this year; Now More Than Ever, I have been filled with a deep sense of appreciation for the fire that continues to burn in the relationships with our partners, peers and friends. Relationships that are built on truth-telling, reconciling with our past, respect, shared values and a shared future.

 It is more important than ever to shine a light on what reconciliation looks and feels like in practice and in action and, where this is not the case, to bring us together as a Nation to truly reconcile and embrace the truth of our past so that we can have a different tomorrow; one that embeds the wisdom and strength of the First Nations people across this country.

-Kate

The referendum last year demonstrated - in detail and through cold hard statistics - how much work we still need to do. #NowMoreThanEver, equipped with that knowledge the work for non-Aboriginal Australians who wish to reconcile is clearly defined.

Across the week I’ve been following the work of First Nations Futures who are leading a campaign around exactly that through the lens of redistribution; unpacking and exploring concrete actions focussed on redistribution of wealth, land, labour, power and responsibility.

The campaign has supported me to understand across my personal and professional life in which of these areas I am already taking action, in which areas it’s time to be doing more or thinking differently, and in which areas I’m not doing anything - and where I need to start putting my energy.

While the work of understanding, reflecting, unlearning and learning is ongoing I’m challenging myself to spend as much time on my actions as I do on my reflections.

Things I learned from the campaign that will be informing my actions include: the many different ways land redistribution can look (Phillip (Philly) Winzer), that true self-governance is critical to power redistribution (Larissa Baldwin-Roberts), and that Australia may in fact represent the biggest heist in history (Uncle Robert “Robbie” Thorpe).

-Tori

This Reconciliation Week felt different - more crucial, and I put that down to a feeling that is still permeating for those of us who voted Yes! In the 2023 Referendum.

This feeling is more of a knowing, knowing that the next steps towards Reconciliation are the responsibility of non-Indigenous Australians; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been the ones to carry the heavy lift for years. There isn’t a need for new ideas or solutions, the need is that non-Indigenous Australians engage with the knowledge, stories and experiences that already exist, and better understand that there is a way forward together and our role in it.

Our time at Rec in the West on Thursday demonstrated so clearly how vibrant the community can be when we come together (despite the rain!), and how many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to step forward towards Reconciliation. Now More Than Ever, we also need to take those steps forward.

-Megan

While attending a philanthropic sector event this week, we reflected on what ‘taking responsibility’ meant with relation to reconciliation—individually, organisationally, and across the sector. What does responsibility look like now, especially in light of the recent referendum that posed a clear and visible call to the philanthropic community?

This year’s theme, Now More Than Ever, serves as a reminder, particularly for our sector that deeply listening to and partnering with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community cannot be confined to campaigns or times of convenience. Deep partnerships built on high trust are necessities - not only for the ongoing process of reconciliation but also in creating a shared vision of the future.

Now more than ever, our sector must embrace its responsibility and work alongside community to realise the potential of 'what could be' together.

-Niall