Reconciliation Day and Why It Matters to LIVEfree Project

Reconciliation Day is a powerful moment each year for Australians to come together, reflect on our shared history, and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable future. For LIVEfree Project, this day holds special significance as we actively embrace the ongoing journey of reconciliation—bridging the past, present, and future in everything we do.

Bridging Now to Next: Our Shared Journey

The 2025 National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, calls on all Australians to step forward together. It reminds us that reconciliation is not just about honouring the past, but also about envisioning and creating a better future—guided by the lessons we carry forward.

In the stunning theme artwork by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants symbolise this spirit perfectly.

Known for their ability to regenerate after fire and thrive through adversity, these plants represent our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal.

This symbolism resonates deeply with LIVEfree Project’s mission to nurture resilience and hope within our community.

Why Reconciliation Matters to LIVEfree Project

Our programs are designed to be culturally safe and inclusive, providing equitable opportunities that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to thrive. As allies, we are committed to walking alongside community—listening, learning, and ensuring our actions reflect respect and understanding.

For us, reconciliation is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing commitment to meaningful partnership, truth-telling, and change.

Walking Together with Traditional Custodians

We honour the enduring wisdom, culture, and spiritual connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold with Country. At LIVEfree Project, we acknowledge that we live and work on unceded lands and recognise the deep knowledge and leadership of Traditional Custodians.

Walking together means approaching our work with humility, listening first, and seeking to understand before acting. It’s about building relationships based on respect and reciprocity—ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples inform and shape our programs and community partnerships. We do not assume leadership in this space—we follow it.

Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Our programs are intentionally designed to be culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families. We work to remove barriers, offer equal access to opportunities, and celebrate the strengths of culture and community.

As allies, we understand that empowerment is not something we give—it’s something we support. This means creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and respected, and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are central in decision-making. We stand alongside, advocate with, and walk in solidarity—every step of the way.

Learning and Growing Together

Reconciliation is a shared journey of truth-telling, reflection, and growth. At LIVEfree Project, we see Reconciliation Day and National Reconciliation Week as key moments to pause and deepen our understanding—but our learning doesn’t stop there.

We create regular opportunities for our team and community to explore the history and ongoing impacts of this, to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and to reflect on how we can be part of positive change. Through education, conversations, and self-reflection, we cultivate a culture that values justice, humility, and continuous learning. We are committed to growing not just as individuals, but as an organisation.

A Commitment to Renewal and Resilience

Like native plants that regenerate and thrive after fire, we believe in the strength and potential of individuals and communities to heal and flourish—even through adversity. At LIVEfree Project, we are driven by hope—hope that becomes action, and action that leads to change.

We walk with children, young people, and families as they navigate hardship, providing practical support, encouragement, and safe spaces to grow. Reconciliation invites us to be part of something larger: restoring what has been broken, rebuilding with care, and creating pathways to a future that honours the past while embracing new possibilities.

Renewal isn’t just symbolic—it’s lived, every day, in the moments where people begin to believe in themselves again.

Moving Forward, Together

Reconciliation is a shared journey—one that requires ongoing reflection, humility, and partnership. LIVEfree Project is proud to stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, working together to bridge now to next. We remain committed to fostering a community where all people can feel valued, connected, and free to flourish.

As we mark Reconciliation Day this year, let’s embrace the spirit of renewal and unity, planting seeds today for a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.