National Reconciliation Week 2025
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together. Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
To support the week, The Rocks Discovery Museum will showcase artworks from the 2024 Schools Reconciliation Challenge, featuring incredible art from primary and high school students from all around Australia. You can also check out some of our online learning materials.
If you're interested in celebrating a little early, join us at Vivid Sydney for First Light on Friday 23 May, as we welcome a celebration of First Nations culture and continue Calling Country. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this event brings to life the rich traditions of the Gadigal people and neighbouring nations through vibrant song, dance, and Language.
Schools Reconciliation Challenge at The Rocks Discovery Museum
Tuesday 27 May - Tuesday 3 June, 10am to 5pm
The Rocks Discovery Museum is the perfect place for little ones (and their big buddies) to learn about the shared history of all Australians. The finalists from the Schools Reconciliation Challenge 2024 will be on display at The Rocks Discovery Museum during National Reconciliation Week, so you can see inspiring artwork from Primary School and High School students from all around Australia.
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge 2025 is now open and accepting entries until 31 August 2026.
Barbara McGrady Photographic Exhibition
The Rocks Discovery Museum is honoured to have on display Barbara McGrady's exhibition, A picture is worth a thousand words.
Barbara is a Gamilaroi Murri Yinah (woman) from North Western NSW and Southern Queensland. A Sydney based photographer, her images capture the passion and achievements of contemporary Aboriginal history.
Aboriginal History & Heritage Tours: Giba-Nura
Tuesday 27 May
10am - 12pm
Giba means rock or stone and Nura means place or country in the language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the original inhabitants of the Sydney basin.
Aboriginal education guides facilitate exploration of 'first contact', Aboriginal resistance to colonisation, and its impact on the Gadigal people from an Aboriginal perspective.
Through stories of role models such as Bennelong, Barrangaroo, Patyegarang and Pemulwuy, participants will develop a knowledge and understanding of local Aboriginal identity and experiences, and explore and analyse historical and archaeological evidence.
The program includes:
- Gadigal initiation ceremonies and practices
- Aboriginal language and place names - what did these places mean to Gadigal people?
- how the Gadigal people understand and interpret their environment
- hands-on experience with Aboriginal artefacts (The Rocks Discovery Museum)
- Investigating bust tucker and other resources in the local area.
First Light
Vivid Sydney 2025 will commence with First Light, as we welcome a celebration of First Nations culture and continue Calling Country on Friday 23 May at 6pm.
Be moved by the ancient stories, Songlines and traditions of the Gadigal people and neighbouring nations at First Light, the evocative Calling Country ceremony and performance at Campbells Cove in The Rocks that opens the 2025 edition of Vivid Sydney.
Curated by Vivid Sydney’s First Nations advisor Rhoda Roberts AO and framed by the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the ceremony features moving performances by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers from Central Coast-based NAISDA Dance College. Working in affiliation with custodians from Northeast Arnhem Land, alongside our Torres Strait Islander and PNG neighbours, as they sing up the Morning Star.
First Light is a very special opening celebration to launch Vivid Sydney. It will be broadcast across the Light Walk on opening night and an edited version appears every night of the festival before Lights On!
Curated by Vivid Sydney's First Nations Advisor Rhoda Roberts AO.