Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week 2026

Next date: Tuesday, 26 May 2026 | 10:00 AM to Tuesday, 26 May 2026 | 12:00 PM

Sorry Day, which is held annually on 26 May, is a day of remembrance to acknowledge the pain and injustice experienced by members of the stolen generation, and its lasting impacts.

National Reconciliation Week begins the following day from Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June. The week will feature a range of events run by Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation to commemorate, educate and bring our community together.

This year’s theme is ‘All in’, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. 'All In'makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.

Sorry Day Commemoration

When: Tuesday 26 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (near the playground)
What: A commemorative event that will include:

• Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.

• Mayor Toby Heydon and local school leaders will be offering their reflections on Sorry Day.
  
  

National Reconciliation Week Launch

When: Wednesday 27 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Where: Market Building, Castlemaine

The event features a Welcome to Country, guest speaker Uncle Ron Murray, Wamba Wamba, Tatiara man launching his Platypus Book, the awarding of the annual Nalderun Awards, First Nations made artworks and products for sale, and more.

• The reconciliation week exhibition will be on display (and available to see throughout National Reconciliation Week).
• Light refreshments provided.
• Free community event. Everyone is welcome.

 

Read more about Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week at www.reconciliation.org.au and keep an eye on our Events page for Nalderun events.

When

Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, 2 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, View Map