Reconciliation Week 2025 – Bridging Now to Next

As we mark National Reconciliation Week 2025, I reflect on where we stand as a nation — on the bridges we’ve crossed, those we’ve yet to build, and the work that lies ahead. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, reminds us that our past is never separate from our present, and that healing and progress can only come when we walk together with honesty, courage, and shared intent.

This time last year, many of us were still processing the outcome of the failed referendum to recognise First Nations peoples in the Constitution through a Voice to Parliament. It was a deeply painful moment — not just because the referendum was unsuccessful, but because the question it asked was so modest, and the rejection so profound.

In the months leading up to the recent national election, First Nations affairs became a political football — debated without our full participation, sensationalised in the media, and too often reduced to divisive rhetoric. It created a climate of deep emotional and psychological strain for many in our communities. Elders, leaders, young people, and families carried the weight of ongoing public scrutiny, misinformation, and dismissal.

The political conversation not only impacted our health and wellbeing, but it also risked fraying the fragile threads of understanding and trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Many of us asked: where do we go from here?

The answer, I believe, lies in the theme of this week — Bridging Now to Next. It’s a call to look beyond political cycles, beyond momentary setbacks, and to recommit to long-term change that is grounded in truth-telling, justice, and respect.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of being a keynote speaker at the National Empowerment Summit in Brisbane. The energy in that space was powerful. We weren’t just speaking about survival — we were talking about thriving. We shared stories of Black excellence, cultural strength, economic innovation, and self-determination. The conversations were hard, but they were hopeful. And they reminded me that our strength lies in community, connection, and culture.

At Welcome to Country, we live this work every day. Through our platform, we elevate Indigenous voices in tourism, the arts, and enterprise. We support First Nations-owned businesses to grow and thrive through initiatives like our Product Development Fund, and we champion cultural storytelling that fosters deeper understanding and respect.

Reconciliation isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about acknowledging the harm, listening deeply, and making tangible commitments to equity and justice. It’s about holding space for both grief and growth — and walking forward together anyway.

So, this Reconciliation Week, I ask all Australians: what does the next step look like for you? What will you do to help bridge the now to what’s next?

Because reconciliation isn’t a destination. It’s a journey — and we need everyone on the path.

By Desmond Campbell, CEO, Welcome to Country