Event program
Explore the variety of activities on offer at the 2025 Reconciliation Day event.Join us for a day of reflection, recognition, and connection as we honour the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The program is packed with vibrant performances, interactive workshops, and cultural demonstrations that highlight the importance of reconciliation. Enjoy energetic dance and music acts, hands-on activities, interactive stalls, and learn more about Indigenous traditions. There's something for everyone, including family-friendly activities like face painting, zoo interactions, storytelling, live music, and more!
Explore the main vista with food vendors and market stalls, and enjoy the artistic creations from our school community, including art exhibits and a poster competition, where the winning design will be painted as a mural on one of Canberra's iconic bus stops. Don't miss the insightful panel discussions happening at the Speakers Marquee, where experts will engage in meaningful conversations about reconciliation and related topics. Our Elders are warmly invited to relax and connect over a cuppa in the Elders Tent, with tea, coffee, and refreshments available throughout the day.
Explore the full schedule of events below and plan your day with us or download a copy of the full program to have all the details at your fingertips and make the most of this meaningful day. Please note that the program is subject to change.
Stage 88
Hosted by Monica Moore and Maurice Shipp
Gather at Stage 88 where the day begins with formalities including a Welcome to Country by Uncle Fred Monaghan and a Smoking Ceremony led by Justin Reid. Don’t miss a special performance by the winner of the School Vocal Competition, mentored by talented Gomeroi artist Kobie Dee—an inspiring showcase of emerging talent and cultural connection. This incredible opportunity is made possible thanks to our partnership with NRMA, supporting this wonderful celebration of music, cultures, and connections.
Kobie Dee
Kobie is a talented and powerful Gomeroi artist known for his thought-provoking music and dedication to social change. In addition to his performance, Kobie will also be mentoring the school vocal competition, helping young artists develop their talents and confidence.
Project Dust
Project Dust is an intergenerational First Nations dance group offered free to the community. They empower young mob, fostering pride and strength through cultural expression in the arts, in a supportive space without the pressures of competition.
Sistas in Song
Sistas in Song is a musical collaboration between two First Nations women, performing original and iconic songs by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Their performances share culture, history, and lived experiences with warmth and positivity.
Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga
Tahalianna is a proud Wiradjuri singer from Canberra, known for her standout performance on The Voice Australia. With a powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, she brings culture and community to the spotlight through her music.
OZY Youth Choir
The OZY Youth Choir is the world’s first online youth choir, uniting music, history, and leadership. It supports veterans, families, and First Nations youth through storytelling, remembrance, and reconciliation—locally, nationally, and internationally.
Riverbank Band
Riverbank Band is a dynamic five-piece ensemble from Canberra blending country rock, folk, reggae, and soul. Led by Dale Huddleston, they share stories of culture and connection, and have supported some of Australia’s most iconic First Nations artists.
ACT Young Voices
ACT Young Voices is part of the ACT Instrumental Music Program, nurturing young singers through high-quality music education. With a focus on creativity, discipline, and expression, the program inspires a lifelong love of music and the arts.
Vocal Competition Winner
The School Vocal Competition winner is a talented ACT high school student whose original song, inspired by Reconciliation Day, stood out for its creativity and message. Their performance showcases a strong voice for cultural understanding and musical storytelling.
Ferry Gate Stage
Hosted by Belle Whyte and Harry Williams
Rob Waters
Rob is a Gomeroi man with strong cultural roots in North West NSW. A poet, playwright, storyteller, and spoken word artist, he’s been sharing stories for over 20 years and won the 2023 Australian Poetry Slam.
School Vocal Competition
The School Vocal Competition highlights the songwriting and performance talents of ACT high school students. Focused on reconciliation, the top three were chosen to perform at Reconciliation Day, sharing powerful messages with the community.
Gugan Gulwan Youth Troupe
The Gugan Gulwan Youth Troupe is a youth music program that empowers young Aboriginal artists through song, dance, and storytelling. They regularly perform at community events, sharing culture and connection through powerful, creative expression.
Meteor Infant
Meteor Infant is the songwriting project of Gomeroi guitarist Liam Keenan. With roots in regional NSW, Keenan has developed a distinct song-craft shaped by the layered experience of memory, geography and ancestral connection to country.
Johnny Huckle
Johnny is an award-winning Wiradjuri singer-songwriter and guitarist from Condobolin, NSW. Raised on the Murie Aboriginal reserve, he’s known for his powerful songs of healing, justice, and culture.
Djaarmby Band
Djaarmby Band is an Indigenous group blending rock, folk, and pop with didgeridoo and Aboriginal lyrics. Their music tells powerful cultural stories, resonating deeply at community events, celebrations and gatherings.
National Zoo & Aquarium
The National Zoo & Aquarium will present a special show-and-tell featuring native Australian animals. This engaging session offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural and environmental significance of these species and their connection to Country.
Speaking Marquee
Join us for three insightful panel discussions, where experts and community leaders will engage in meaningful conversations about reconciliation and related topics. These discussions provide a platform to explore diverse perspectives, share experiences, and foster a deeper understanding of the journey towards reconciliation. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of important dialogues that aim to inspire and educate.
All panel discussions will be held in the Speakers Tent.
- 11.15am - 12.15pm: History is Still Calling: The role of young people in carrying forward the movement
- 12.25pm - 1.25pm: Truth Listening: Do we need to focus on truth listening as much as truth telling?
- 2.10pm - 3pm: Bridging Now to Next: Overcoming uncertainty with interconnectedness
The Speaking Marquee will also host two Aboriginal language workshops hosted by Winanggaay Aboriginal Language Group. These sessions will take place at 10.45am and 1.40pm.
Workshops and family activities
Join us across the event site for a vibrant series of hands-on workshops and engaging activities. Designed to spark creativity and connection, these experiences are perfect for families and visitors of all ages. Come explore, learn, and play together!
Painting Workshop
by Riverbank Enterprises
Ferry Gate
10am - 3pm
Face Painting
by Sariel Art
Ferry Gate
10am - 12pm
Desert Pea Craft Workshop
by Making Peas/ce
Ferry Gate
10am - 3pm
Basket Weaving Workshop
by Culture on the Move
Ferry Gate
10am - 3pm
Native Plants and Bush Tucker
by Dreamtime Connections
Market Stall Area
10am - 3pm
Bead Making
by Marramarra Dreaming
Ferry Gate
10am - 12pm
Art Workshop
by Wiradjuri Echoes
Market Stall Area
10am - 3pm
Interactive Stalls
Get hands-on and up close with a range of exciting interactive stalls and demonstrations throughout the day. The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) will showcase their vehicles and equipment, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their vital work. Families can also enjoy engaging activities hosted by the National Zoo and Aquarium, meet players from the Canberra Chill hockey team, the Young Matildas, the ACT Brumbies, and the Canberra Raiders, bringing sport, wildlife, and community spirit together in one vibrant space.
Story Telling
- 10.45am – The Legend of the Desert Pea
- 11am – Count to 10
- 11.20am – Warra Warra Wai
- 11.40am – How Mother Kangaroo got her Pouch and Back on Country
- 12pm - Finding Our Heart
- 12.20pm - The Legend of the Desert Pea
- 12.40pm - National Zoo and Aquarium Show and Tell
- 1pm – The Cockatoo Wars
- 1.25pm – Our Dreaming and Walking Together
- 1.40pm – Storytelling with the Zoo
- 2pm – Gurril Storm Bird and Where History Happened
- 2.25pm – The Legend of the Desert Pea
- 2.45pm – Count to 10