Parliament House is hosting a range of free activities to commemorate National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
National Reconciliation Week Illumination
Venue: Australian Parliament House Forecourt
Date: Tuesday 27 May to Thursday 29 May 2025
Time: 6 pm to 10 pm
The façade of Australian Parliament House will be illuminated with the striking colours and design of Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), a 2023 artwork by Michelle Lewis.
Michelle Lewis is a Pitjantjatjara artist. The artwork depicts how the tjala (honey ants) tunnel through the sandy soil. Alongside the tunnels are waterholes, trees, and shrubs.
The artist says that ‘I am painting the landscape from above, as you might see it from an airplane or as a bird looking down. It is beautiful country both from on the ground and up above.’
Michelle Lewis lives and works in Pukatja community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankuntjatjara (APY) Lands in the northwest of South Australia.
For 3 nights only, see this breathtaking artwork come to life on the Parliament House façade.
This is a free event.
Indigenous Stargazing at Parliament House
Venue: Australian Parliament House Theatre and Forecourt lawn (subject to weather)
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Book now
Join Indigenous Astronomer and proud Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay man Peter Swanton, and astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker to learn about Indigenous Astronomy during National Reconciliation Week.
Start your journey inside where Peter and Brad will guide you through Australia’s long and rich history of stargazing. Discover how First Nations people have used the skies as maps to navigate seasons and guide cultural practices across a millennium. You will explore the scientific importance of stars on Country and how this knowledge is being preserved.
Afterwards, join us under the stars on the Australian Parliament House front lawns for some hands-on stargazing with the ANU Astronomy Society and their telescopes. (The outdoor component of the event is subject to clears skies suitable for viewing and will be confirmed as proceeding on the day).
Rug up for the Canberra chill to observe the skies.
Bookings are essential for this free event.
‘Yeribee’ Indigenous experiences of Parliament House
Venue: Australian Parliament House
Date: Tuesday 27 May, Saturday 31 May and Tuesday 3 June 2025
Time: 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm
Book now
Come and hear the stories of Indigenous parliamentarians and explore the site history of Parliament House. Gain insights into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ involvement in the nation’s democratic processes.
On the tour, see the Yirrkala bark petitions, Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples and the and artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the Parliament House Art Collections.
Bookings are required for this free experience.
Images: 1. Michelle Lewis (born 1983), Pitjantjatjara people, Michelle’s Tjala Dreaming (Honey Ant), 2023, Parliament House Art Collections.
2. AUSPIC, Department of Parliamentary Services
3. Jandamarra Cadd (born 1973), Yorta Yorta people, Nova Peris OAM, 2019, Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art Collections; Mary Moore (born 1957) The Hon Kenneth (Ken) Wyatt AM, MP, 2017, Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art Collections; Jude Rae (born 1956) The Hon Linda Burney MP, 2018, Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art Collections. Photo taken by 5 Foot Photography.