National Reconciliation Week Wrap Up

June 25, 2025

Bridging Hearts and Histories: Reconciliation in Action  

At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), Reconciliation is more than a commitment - it’s a lived experience, woven into the daily rhythm of care, community, and connection.  

This year’s National Reconciliation Week was a powerful reflection of that journey, honouring the past while building bridges to walk together for a more inclusive future.  

From smoking ceremonies and Welcome to Country,  to hands-on workshops exploring Indigenous foods, cultures, storytelling, art classes and shared meals, the week was a vibrant time of community and connection centred on culture and respect.  

For one Indigenous resident at our Tweed Heads Residential Aged Care home, the meaning of Reconciliation runs especially deep. 

Cynthia Rapp, alongside her niece Jackie McDonald, shared stories of histories, cultures and traditions to help educate residents and staff.  

The St Joseph’s resident spoke candidly about her upbringing, recalling how her mother always ensured she was impeccably dressed—not for fashion, but as a form of protection.  

Her family hoped that by appearing well cared for, she might be spared from being taken as part of the Stolen Generations. 

Through her storytelling, Cynthia hopes to offer more than just history—she hopes to deepen understanding of the hardships her people endured and what Reconciliation truly means to her. 

“It’s about friendship. It’s about connection. It’s about recognising that this land always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land—and respecting that,” she says.  

“During National Reconciliation Week it was nice to gather with the community at the home and share stories.  

“One of my relatives came to talk to the residents which was very informative, and I think helps people learn how difficult it was for Indigenous people in the past.  

“For me it’s about bridging friendship, connection and respect of the ownership of the land in which we are now a part of and all call 'Home'.” 

Throughout National Reconciliation Week, a number of events, activities and connections were held right across NSW and the ACT.  

Reconciliation Australia shared a video of residents from Ozanam Residential Aged Care in Garran, ACT, joining with students from neighbouring St Peter and Paul Primary School in a moving choir performance led by Australian Idol winner Royston Noell.  

The event, titled “Voices for Reconciliation,” saw the choir aged between nine and 103 come together and sing rock anthem Solid Rock, delivering a message of unity, truth-telling and the importance of closing the gap. North Turramurra had a wonderful event of cultural sharing including some fun trivia with the residents learning from Brooke Prentis, Wakka Wakka woman, and Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s First Nations External Advisor about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, and stories and recalling the 25th anniversary of the Bridge Walks for Reconciliation.  

Brooke said of National Reconciliation Week:

“It was wonderful to be involved with all that Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) were doing for National Reconciliation Week - I literally saw the theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’ come to life.   

“To see residents, staff and even young people through the homes of SCC building the bridge of Reconciliation, learning from the past, and committing to learning, sharing, and walking together for Reconciliation into the future gave me encouragement and hope.” 

Our National Reconciliation Week culminated in a vibrant display of unity and cultural respect, with the official opening of Marian Residential Care in North Parramatta, reflecting our commitment to Reconciliation and creating a space where every voice and story is valued.  

Live streamed to more than 3000 residents, staff and clients, the event featured a captivating performance by Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo artists Walangari Karntawarra and Diramu, keynote speech by Brooke Prentis and followed by entertainment from 2023 Australian Idol winner Royston Noell.