National Reconciliation Week
Connect with culture at Healesville Sanctuary
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
What's on
Get your Healesville Sanctuary map and plan your visit with free daily and weekend activities.
10.30am, Sunday 29 May
Koala Picnic Lawn
Participate in a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder, Murrundindi and hear what Reconciliation Week means to him.
Approx. 10.40am, Sunday 29 May
Koala Picnic Lawn
Kindly loaned by Wurundjeri Elder, Murrundindi, visitors will have the opportunity to view ancient artefacts that were used by the Wurundjeri people.
11am and 1pm, Saturday 28 May
Robert Eadie Pavilion
Join the team from the Mt Burnett Observatory to learn all about the ancient art of Aboriginal Astronomy.
For thousands of years Aboriginal people have been using the night sky to guide them across the land and to indicate seasonal changes. They skies would tell them when to hunt or not hunt, to allow the animals to reproduce and become abundant again.
10-11am and 12-1pm, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Robert Eadie Pavilion
Hands are a symbol of community support for reconciliation and respect. Contribute to reconciliation by creating a 'hands up' artwork, showing your commitment to strengthening relationships between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island people and non-indigenous Australians.
10am and 2pm, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Robert Eadie Lawn
Pledge your commitment to reconciliation by writing a word associated with reconciliation on a river rock and placing it amongst others, forming a promise circle.
11am - 3pm, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Heritage Shelter
Join Angie, from Angie's Indigenous Art, as she creates and talks about Aboriginal culture.
Daily self-guided
Robert Eadie Pavilion
Sit by the fire and enjoy a story of Aboriginal culture, including ‘Welcome to Country’ by Aunty Joy Murphy, and ‘Young Dark Emu’ by Bruce Pascoe.
11am - 3pm, Daily. Curator Talk at 11am and 2pm, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Wirrigirri
Curated by local indigenous gallery owner, Christine Joy, you can learn about indigenous art, it’s significance, and connection to country.
10am - 12pm and 1pm – 3pm, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May
Wirrigirri
Join local Bidjara Woman and artist, Nikki Browne to explore and connect to culture through art.
10.30am – 3pm, Thursday 3 June
Opposite Koala Dindi
Meet Aunty Sherree as she shares artefacts and stories from her culture.
Daily self-guided
Wurundjeri Walk
Immerse yourself in culture as you explore Wurundjeri Walk at Healesville Sanctuary. The walk will take you on a journey where you’ll learn about Indigenous Elder, William Barak, hear dreaming stories from four generations of Elders, and see an ancient Scar Tree.
On Wednesday 1 June, Cultural Education Officer Lisa Hodgson will be down at Wurundjeri Walk to share her knowledge, talk about Aboriginal culture and answer any of your questions.