This is a very important week for all Australians to embrace our valuable patrimony. Reconciliation Week involves activities focused on teaching and exploring our nation’s story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. There is a lot to be assimilated and there are plenty of opportunities to do so. As the theme for this year says: be brave and make change.
Reconciliation Week events
Reconciliation Week Tours
When: Daily from Friday 27 May, until Friday 3 June 2022, 11:15 – 11:45 am
Where: National Portrait Gallery
Cost: Free. Space is limited; book here.
To celebrate Reconciliation Week, NPG’s free highlights tours will reflect on Australia’s history of challenges and change, and the people who drove us forward.
Reconciliation Day Eve Concert
When: Sunday 29 May, 6:30 pm
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
Cost:$75 plus booking fee. Tickets at Canberra Theatre Centre.
In the ACT, Reconciliation Day is a public holiday marking the start of National Reconciliation Week. On the eve of Reconciliation Day, Canberra Theatre Centre is hosting some of the strongest voices in the country.
Featuring the extraordinary talent of powerhouse rapper Briggs, soulful electronic music duo Electric Fields and the award-winning singer Christine Anu, this event is not to be missed for those who love Australian music and believe in its power to change the country for the better.
National Reconciliation Week 2022 at NSFA
When: Friday 27 May and Saturday 28 May
Where: National Film And Sound Archive Of Australia
Cost: $12 / $10. Book here.
The National Film And Sound Archive of Australia will screen two contemporary documentaries in celebration of this year’s Reconciliation Week. All Australians are encouraged to Be Brave and meet the unfinished tasks of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all.
Reconciliation Day at the Arboretum
When: Monday 30 May, from 10 am to 3 pm
Where: National Arboretum Canberra
Cost: Free.
This family-friendly event promotes conversations and fosters a deeper understanding of our national story and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. From bush tucker demonstrations, arts, crafts and storytelling to live entertainment, stalls and exhibitions, there will be a whole host of things to look forward to with a range of free and family-friendly activities on offer throughout the day. For more information, check out the program here.
Hands-on Mural making – celebrate and commemorate Reconciliation Week in Dickson
When: Saturday 28 May from 10 am-12 pm
Where: Dickson Shops – rear of Commonwealth Bank near the Bike Shop
Cost: Free.
The City Renewal Authority has commissioned local Aboriginal artists Gregory Joseph (Yidinji) and Linda Huddleston (Nungjingi) to paint a mural to commemorate Reconciliation Week in Canberra. The mural, on the back of the Commonwealth Bank in Dickson, near local cafes and shops, will depict some of the local flora and fauna of Dickson. The Dickson community is invited to be involved by putting their “hands-on” the mural with the artists’ assistance. What to bring: your friends and family to celebrate and commemorate Reconciliation. Paint will be provided, and a place to wash your hands.
Things to do
Glitoris
When: Friday 27 May, 7 pm
Where: The Basement
Cost: $25. Get your tickets here.
Glitoris is back at the Basement, with Lulu and the Tantrums and Raising Ravens as special guests. Hold on to your hand sanitiser because The Glitz have returned after wandering the last 18 months in another realm. New material, new stage shenanigans. Keven, Andrew, Malcolm, and Mickey, the new drummer, will deliver you a night to remember!
Whisky Live Canberra 2022
When: Friday 27 and Saturday 28 May, multiple times.
Where: University of Canberra, The Refectory
Cost: $145. Get your tickets here.
Whisky Live features high-quality whiskeys and spirits, and they are all available for sampling. This event will appeal both to whiskey lovers and to those who enjoy rum, gin, or cognac. You will taste whiskies and brandies by brand with an expert who will provide information and education. Keep track of your favourite tastes and brands by using a printed Tasting Guide. Quality spirits glasses are provided for you to take home.
The Carnaval Experience
When: Saturday 28 May, dinner from 5:45 pm and show from 7:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Cost: Dinner and show 5:45 pm $89.75, show only 7.30 pm $52.75, VIP Experience $119.75, plus booking fee. Book online now.
Get whisked away to the peak of Rio de Janeiro Carnaval fever – from the rawness of the streets to the splendour of the Sambodromo – with a powerhouse cast of over 20 artists who perform at an elite level in Rio Carnaval, Australia and internationally. Set to a soundtrack of booming Bateria (drums), Funk and Pop fusion, enjoy the live band, Brazilian dancers, Brazilian drummers, acrobatics, visuals, theatrics, and the most breathtaking couture costumes this side of Carnaval.
Elton Out Of The Closet
When: Friday 27 May, 7 pm
Where: Village Centre, National Arboretum Canberra
Cost: $55. Get your tickets here.
Starring the incomparable and world-renowned Jason Paris, Elton Out Of The Closet has been commended by Queen’s Brian May and Elton’s Yellow Brick Road sound engineer David Hentschel. This show is a two-hour, live music entertainment spectacular that brings the voice, the character, flamboyant costumes, back-stories, iconic instruments and young Elton himself.
Urban Wine Walk – Canberra (ACT)
When: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Where: EPIC
Cost: Free. More information here.
The ShowRoom Canberra is the largest quality creative home, design, build and lifestyle event in the ACT. Canberra’s most creative, innovative and informative industry professionals will all be under one roof at the ACT’s largest indoor and outdoor venue, Exhibition Park in Canberra. A variety of home design, build, garden, and lifestyle exhibitors, Speaker Series presentations, virtual reality activities, great food and coffee, and endless inspiration all in one place!
Urban Wine Walk – Canberra (Act)
When: Saturday 28 May, from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: $80. Book here.
The streets of Canberra will be alive in May 2022 as a line-up of the city’s best bars and restaurants transform into Urban Cellar Doors for you to explore. What’s the deal? Choose your starting point and you’re off! Experience a hand-picked selection of local bars and restaurants while tasting amazing wines thanks to an incredible lineup of winemakers.
Canberra House pres. John Talabot
When: Sunday 29 May from 11 am
Where: Black Mountain Peninsula
Cost: $42 / $60. Get your tickets here.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Canberra House Social (CHS), the group has prepared something truly special. A very memorable party under the blue sky. Oriol Riverola AKA John Talabot, a Catalan DJ from Barcelona, will perform his unique blend of house music atop the Soul Defender. Support acts include HYG, Needy Boy (UK), LEMN, Arabella, Plant Operator, and Hyfe. Food trucks will be on hand. Keeping it clean is the main goal, so bring your cup or glass.
Million Paws Walk
When: Sunday 29 May from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Patrick White Lawns, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Adult $28, Child $18, Concession $18, Family $65. Register at RSPCA.
Walk to fight animal cruelty and be a hero for dogs in need this year. Join RSPCA at Patrick White Lawns for a family-friendly walk to help raise funds for animals in need and create awareness here in the ACT. After the walk, stick around to enjoy food, music, a dog treat stall, prizes and more.
Tasting Australia – Forecourt Tours And Tea With Adam Shipp Of Yurbay
When: May 30, from 12:30pm to 2pm
Where: National Museum of Australia
Cost: $16.91 – $27.46, get your tickets here.
Join a seasonal walk through the National Museum’s Christina and Trevor Kennedy Garden, a living museum of Indigenous food and medicinal plants from across Australia, with Adam Shipp (Wiradjuri) of Yurbay Consultancies. Enjoy the sights and scents of the season as Adam shares his passion for native plants. Each tour finishes with the opportunity to sample some of the flavours found in the Forecourt Garden and around the Canberra region.
Music for Ukraine
When: Tuesday 31 May doors open 6:30 pm show starts 7 pm
Where: Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music – William Herbert Place, ANU
Cost: General admission adult $75, concession $55. Tickets here.
The Canberra International Music Festival (CIMF), Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and the ANU School of Music come together at Llewellyn Hall to make music in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and raise vital funds for humanitarian aid. Featuring Ukrainian folk music and works by Brahms, John Taverner, Valentin Silvestrov and many others.
Finucane & Smith’s Dance Hall
When: Wednesday 1 June, 7:30 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Cost: $45 / $55. Get your tickets here.
Inspired by the rich history of Australia’s country dances and dance halls, Finucane & Smith’s Dance Hall is the shindig of the year. An unmissable night out, Dance Hall mixes up your local talent with our international stars in an extravaganza of song and dance, all decked out in satin and velvet drapes, glowing lanterns and disco dazzle!
Author Talk: Jennifer Cockburn in conversation with Colin Steele
When: Thursday 2 June, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: The National Library of Australia and live-streamed on the Library’s Facebook page.
Cost: Free. Bookings essential. No bookings are required to watch the online stream.
In a discussion facilitated by Colin Steele, Jennifer Cockburn will be talking about her most recent book, Writing for His Life: Stewart Cockburn, Crusading Journalist. As a journalist, Stewart Cockburn was instinctive and fearless. The 16-year-old copy boy who started at the Adelaide Advertiser in 1938 was to have a career in writing, radio and television that spanned more than 45 years. In this biography, Stewart Cockburn’s daughter Jennifer draws on his many letters and journals, bringing to life the father she knew and the changing times he so closely observed.