National Reconciliation Week 2024 – Now More Than Ever

Catholic school communities across the diocese of Ballarat will next week join all Australians in marking National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and recommitting to learning more about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation with First Nations peoples in Australia.

The Diocese of Ballarat stretches across land on which children have been educated for tens of thousands of years, and today, our 63 Catholic schools educate 520 (309 primary and 211 secondary) First Nations students.

Catholic Education Ballarat Acting Executive Director Matthew Byrne says Catholic education in the diocese has an unwavering commitment to the work of reconciliation across its community of schools.

‘Catholic education wants to be part of a unified future – to welcome the wisdom, beauty, and genius of First Nations’ cultures into the heart of our schools – to recognise and learn from the strengths, talents and resilience that have been, and continue to be shown by the First Nations members of our school and broader communities,’ he said.

‘We share, support, and celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2024 with optimism, knowing that our schools continue to be enhanced by the living culture and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, and families.

‘In National Reconciliation Week 2024, now more than ever, we renew our commitment to working for understanding and unity with First Nations communities, to appreciate the truth about their lives, histories and hopes for the future to achieve fullness of life for all,’ Mr Byrne said.

More information about National Reconciliation Week 2024 and resources are available at:
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/