NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
27 May – 3 June
National Reconciliation Week Breakfasts 2025 – tickets now on sale!
National Reconciliation Week 2023
In 2023 we kept up the momentum after the success of our 2022 statewide breakfasts. The theme was Be A Voice for Generations. The theme encouraged all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of future generations, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.
During our 2023 NRW breakfasts we were excited to have acclaimed journalist, entertainment personality and Kamilaroi descendant Ray Martin on board. Ray has been involved in the reconciliation movement for over 40 years and brought his own unique perspective to the referendum debate.
Ray was partnered with a local co-speaker from each region.
Nipaluna / Hobart – Tyenna Hogan
Tyenna Hogan, a Palawa and Bundjalung woman who is studying Law and Sociology at the University of Tasmania, spoke clearly and strongly about how some of the southern Aboriginal community felt about the referendum.
She is currently doing a semester in Paris studying International Law.
Devonport – Dave mangenner Gough
In Devonport our co-speaker Dave mangenner Gough, a proud Trawlwoolway man who descends from bunganna (chief) Mannalargenna’s oldest daughter, Woretemoeteyenner of Northeast Tasmania. mangenner is an artist and curator.
He is a storyteller, playwright, producer, director, narrator and performer with large-scale performances, exhibitions and installations.
Launceston – Ged Watts
19-year-old Palawa man Ged Watts was brought up in Georgetown and grew up immersed in cultural activities on Country. He is currently studying Cyber Security at the University of Victoria.
Ged’s inspiring and heartfelt talk about his family, about experiencing racism, and about the upcoming referendum left many Launceston attendees speechless. Ged was the only speaker to receive a standing ovation at any of our three Breakfasts.
Credit: videographer James Klumpes
Lunchtime Forums
In addition to our Breakfasts, in 2023 we also held a Lunchtime Forum series.
Attendees were enriched by the truth-telling told by the Aboriginal community leaders, who discussed current and ongoing issues, and the 2023 Referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.
Our Lunchtime Forum series ran across the State during National Reconciliation Week and featured three local Tasmanian Aboriginal people in each location.
Hobart speakers:
Ruth Langford, Alison Overeem and Duncan Robinson.
Ulverstone speakers:
Hank Horton, Uncle Sammy Howard and Aunty Netty Shaw.
Launceston speakers:
Aunty Sharon Holbrook, Nathan Charles Brown and Nick Cameron.
