Reconciliation Australia states that “At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening the relations between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.” 

Throughout history Australians have fought and made significant steps towards reconciliation. Although there is still much inequality that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face, it is just as important now to fight for change and reconciliation so the quality of a person's life will not be affected by their racial background. 

National Reconciliation Week spans from May 27th to June 3rd. These dates mark two important milestones in the history of reconciliation. The successful 1967 referendum where more than 90% of Australians who voted voted to give the government power to create laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the census. Plus, the High Court Mabo decision which was the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘Terra Nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. 

National Reconciliation started in 1993 as a week of prayer for reconciliation. The council for Aboriginal reconciliation launched Australia's first National Reconciliation week in 1996. In 2001, 300,00 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week, many other Australians walked across bridges in cities and towns to show their support for reconciliation. Today we celebrate reconciliation in our schools, workplaces and communities to show support and continue to push for reconciliation. 

The national reconciliation week's theme for 2025 is Bridging Now to Next, which reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. This year's artwork was created by Kalkadoon women Bree Buttenshaw and features native plants known for their ability to regenerate after fire, symbolising our collective strength. It asks us to use past lessons and experiences to guide us as we push forward for a reconciled Australia. 

-Flossy

Most people at Big Picture associate Social Reasoning with history and while that is true to some degree, as you become a senior, focusing on actual social action and justice is preferred. There are many ways you can incorporate this into your projects, and I’m going to help you with it!

Firstly, the definition of social action is as follows: ‘Social action is about people coming together to help improve their lives and solve the problems that are important in their communities.’ Our Social Action Project Groups (SAPG) are designed to promote service learning and help us Cooks Hill Students meet the requirements for Social Reasoning. Each group has a social action they focus on. For example; Cooking SAPG focuses on providing food to those who need it.

Another important part of Social Reasoning is actually analysing different social issues and differing perspectives. It’s all about understanding and taking action.

-Josh

The SAPG Conservation Critters aim to promote biodiversity to locals of all ages, in ways that can be easily seen and easily understood. Asha, a CHC student explains, “We want people to feel empowered instead of overwhelmed about climate change.” 

“There are a lot of small things people can do themselves to promote biodiversity in our local area, and we want to educate people in fun ways,” says Anni a Year 12 student.

Through the power of volunteers, recycling and research, the students have launched their project at Newcastle Museum’s Future Street Party. They have been distributing seed bombs, wooden and clay bee and bug hotels, as well as signing people up for their family friendly guided walks. 

The Conservation Critters nature walks are a FREE guided tour, through a local park where guides discuss the area’s local biodiversity. These walks include information about all of the nature, Bug Bingo, and other interactive activities! 

Join the Conservation Critters for a free guided tour of Arcadia Park. 

Arcadia Park is located off Wolfe St, Newcastle 2300 and across from King Edward Park.