All in for Reconciliation

National Reconciliation Week, celebrated in Australia on 27 May – 3 June,  is an invitation to reflect on how we can actively contribute to reconciliation in our everyday lives. This year's theme, 'All in', reminds us that reconciliation is a shared ongoing responsibility.  Below Anthony Mathews, proud Wiradjuri man and DT Global’s Papua New Guinean Program Manager, shares his thoughts on the week.

As National Reconciliation Week ends, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on the events, conversations and connections that created such a meaningful experience. It was an opportunity to step away from work, learn from mob and think about how reconciliation plays out in practice.

The Scar Tree Walk along the Birrarung (Yarra River) brought together colonial, contemporary and cultural history. It offered a powerful reminder that Aboriginal culture is not confined to history; it is present, living and thriving around us, even within a metropolis such as Naarm (Melbourne). The walk shared stories of First Nations achievements through sporting excellence, the struggles of a colonial past, and brought to life the stories behind names such as Indigenous leader, artist and activist, William Barak. It also provided an opportunity to view history as an incomplete book, with pages only recently written. Further chapters are being written by us now, and we have an obligation to continue sharing those stories.

The Gather Round event, held at the DT Global Melbourne office with Gammin Threads, brought the team together as staff designed and created personalised shirts that reflected their own messages and values that celebrated Aboriginal culture, connection and identity. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience that brought people together through self-expression, support and laughter, the very spirit of reconciliation.

As a proud Wiradjuri man, these moments are incredibly meaningful. They show that reconciliation is not just about the past; it is about the now. It's about how we build relationships, learn from one another and grow together. At its heart, reconciliation is about uplifting one another, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

These events reinforced for me that reconciliation is achieved through genuine engagement and a willingness for people to fully invest in the process. It requires listening, learning and challenging our own perspectives. It's about ensuring Aboriginal voices are heard, respected and valued for the unique perspectives they bring. National Reconciliation Week is an important reminder that reconciliation belongs to all Australians. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn from one another, and those conversations are how we continue moving forward together.

Moving beyond Reconciliation Week, I am encouraged by the commitment shown by DT Global staff and our broader stakeholders to continue the positive strides that have been made. My hope is that we continue learning from the diverse experiences around us and carry that spirit of reconciliation forward throughout the year.

For more information on Reconciliation Week:  National Reconciliation Week - Reconciliation Australia