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 First Nations Australians.
Our 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, and learn more about Indigenous traditions. There is 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, ESA and AFP demonstrations, and interactive stalls hosted by the National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra Chill Hockey Team, the Young Matildas, and the Raiders. Stage 88 will host formalities, including a Welcome to Country by Uncle Fred Monaghan and a Smoking Ceremony by Justin Reid. Additionally, enjoy the artistic creations of our young 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. Be sure to catch the singing performances, featuring the top three finalists of the school vocal competition, mentored by headliner Kobie Dee.
Don't miss the insightful panel discussions happening at the Speakers Tent, where experts will engage in meaningful conversations about reconciliation and related topics.
Explore the full schedule of events below and plan your day with us. Please note that the program is subject to change. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you!
Stage 88
Kobie Dee
Project Dust
Sistas in Song
Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga
OZY Youth Choir
Riverbank
ACT Young Voices
Vocal Competition Winner
Ferry Gate Stage
Rob Waters
School Vocal Competition
Gugan Gulwan Band
Meteor Infant
Johnny Huckle
Djaarmby Band
National Zoo & Aquarium
Panel Discussions
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: Bridging Now to Next: Overcoming uncertainty with interconnectedness
- 12.25pm - 1.25pm: Truth Listening: Do we need to focus on truth listening as much as truth telling?
- 2.10pm - 3pm: History is Still Calling: The role of young people in carrying forward the movement
Workshops
Riverbank Enterprise Painting Workshop
Ferry Gate
10am - 3pm
Making Peas/ce
Ferry Gate
10am - 3pm
Basket Weaving Workshop
Ferry Gate
10am - 3pm
Wiradjuri Echoes Art Workshop
Market Stall Area
10am - 3pm
Story Telling
- 10am - 10.45am - ACT Libraries
- 10.45am - 11am - Hazel - The Legend of the Desert Pea
- 11am - 11.20am - Larry Brandy - Count to 10
- 11.20am - 11.40am - Craig Cormick and Darren Rix
- 11.40am - 12pm - ACT Reconciliation Council Member Jodie
- 12.20pm - 12.40pm - Hazel - The Legend of the Desert Pea
- 12.40pm - 1pm - National Zoo & Aquarium - Show and Tell
- 1.05pm - 1.25pm - Rob Waters
- 1.25pm - 1.40pm - ACT Reconciliation Council Member Caitlin Figueirodo - Our Dreaming & Walking Together
- 1.45pm - 2.05pm - Storytelling with the animals
- 2.05pm - 2.25pm - ACT Reconciliation Council Member Richard
- 2.25pm - 2.45pm - Hazel - The Legend of the Desert Pea
- 2.45pm - 3pm - Larry Brandy - Count to 10