I am honoured to join you for National Reconciliation Week, to celebrate the important Tasmanian Aboriginal community and the wisdom and continuity of 65,000 years of Indigenous Australian history and culture that rests at the heart of our country, and which will strengthen and enrich us into the future. 

Yesterday was a significant day – Sorry Day –the 28th anniversary of the Bringing the Home report. I want to acknowledge the members of the stolen generation, many of whom I met at the Apology in 2008 when I was on the Board of Reconciliation Australia. 

And, today, I am reflecting on that cold Sunday morning in May 2000, when 250,000 Australian-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and non-Indigenous people, came together to cross Sydney Harbour Bridge on the Walk for Reconciliation.

My husband, Simeon, and I, with our baby daughter, Lotte, in her pram, joined the streams of people crossing the bridge as the Aboriginal and Australian flags flew above us. 

Despite the weather, the atmosphere was warm – filled with determination, optimism and friendship.

Along with the smiles, songs, and laughter, there was an unmistakeable and heartfelt collective commitment to reconciliation.

At that time, my greatest hope was that Lotte, and all Australian children, would grow up in a country where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians could live in a relationship of trust and respect.

Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples could participate equally and equitably in all areas of life.

Where all Australians, from every background and walk of life, would enthusiastically and generously support every aspect of reconciliation.

Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights would be part of our shared national identity.
And where our recognition of past wrongs could bring healing to our present and future.

Today, as I remember that hope-filled moment 25 years ago, I reflect on the words spoken at Corroborree 2000 by one of my predecessors, Sir William Deane, who described his vision of reconciliation as,
‘Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together acknowledging the past and walking together, talking together, striving together, working together, and achieving together to build a just and prosperous nation which is, above all else, at peace within itself.’

I am also inspired by the words of the late Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AO, ‘Reconciliation does not relate to a signal historical event. It is an ongoing relationship'.

On the same, theme, Kate [Warner], you often speak of how engaging with Aboriginal people, and learning about Aboriginal issues, was not just an important and rewarding part of your role as Governor of Tasmania, but part of an ongoing relationship that continues to deeply influence your work.

And, Thomas, you also spoke of these themes as you travelled the country during the lead-up to the Referendum in 2023.

Having been Australia’s Governor-General for a little under 12 months, I see the same pattern emerging.

As your Governor-General, the opportunity of encounter -- of listening and learning, and of building relationships with people, communities and organisations – is the great privilege of my role. 

During NAIDOC Week 2024, a week after I was sworn in, I visited Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care in Redfern to congratulate Auntie Milly Ingram on being named the NAIDOC National Female Elder of the Year. 

I returned to Wyanga last week, to sit again with the team there and to listen and learn from their stories. 

Of course, many of the clients of Wyanga are members of the Stolen Generation, and they shared with me so much of their continued hope for a reconciled future. 

This time, I carried with me a deeper and more nuanced understanding because the last year has been a season of refining, renewing and reaffirming my decades-long personal and professional commitment to reconciliation:  

•    through the smoking ceremonies and welcomes to country, which started with Ngunnawal and Cammeraygal elders smoking and blessing Government House in Canberra and Admiralty House in Sydney before Simeon and I moved into the Official Residences, and which, delivered with such knowledge, wisdom and generosity of spirit, continue to greet me across the country  

•    through the joy of meeting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians throughout Australia -- in their homes and where they work and study; in their communities and in places of deep cultural significance 

•    through engaging with important Aboriginal-controlled health and are organisations, such as Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services in Canberra and, recently, the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service. 

•    I am also patron of some of the extraordinary organisations advocating for and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in every sphere of endeavour, including: 
o    GO Foundation 
o    Australian Indigenous Education Foundation 
o    Bangarra Dance Theatre Australia 
o    Clontarf Foundation 
o    Indigenous Centre of Excellence (University of Western Sydney) 
o    The Indigenous Marathon Foundation. 

The opportunities of the last year have been a powerful and daily reminder of the spirit and enthusiasm for reconciliation exemplified by the Bridge Walk in 2000.

And this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ is another generous invitation to all Australians to reflect on, and to carry us, as we build a united future.

In 2025, my hope for the children of Australia is unchanged – that all our tomorrows will be shaped by the care, kindness and respect that brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians together in a spirit of reconciliation.

I hope, throughout National Reconciliation Week, we can all find ways to renew our commitment to walking together, and to reconciliation – just as I have seen on my visit here in Tasmania.