Thank you for your support in 2025

As we close out the year with heaviness in our hearts, we are also reminded of when we as Australians are at our best.

In 2025 our reconciliation journey continued with determined steps and deeper reconciliation actions.

United under the theme Bridging Now to Next, tens of thousands of Australians came together to reflect on our shared past and commit to future action.

From local walks to nationwide performances, National Reconciliation Week 2025 reaffirmed that reconciliation is an ongoing collective responsibility.

Our work is increasingly being advanced by emerging groups of supporters as young Australians and multicultural Australians find their voices in support for reconciliation and justice for First Nations peoples. More Australians are embracing truth-telling as an integral first step in understanding their place in this country.

A real understanding of our shared history provides a solid foundation for a more unified and cohesive society. It is only by standing together with a shared vision that we move forward as a country.

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia’s board and staff I wish you a safe summer break and urge you to continue raising your voices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into 2026 and beyond.

Karen Mundine
Chief Executive Officer

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Paul House with gum leaves and smoke
Paul Girrawah House

Paul Girrawah House has multiple First Nation ancestries from the South-East Canberra region, including the Ngambri-Ngurmal (Walgalu), Pajong (Gundungurra), Wallabollooa (Ngunnawal) and Erambie/Brungle (Wiradyuri) family groups.

Paul acknowledges his diverse First Nation history, he particularly identifies as a descendant of Onyong aka Jindoomang from Weereewaa (Lake George) and Henry ‘Black Harry’ Williams from Namadgi who were both multilingual, essentially Walgalu-Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri speaking warriors and Ngunnawal–Wallaballooa man William Lane aka ‘Billy the Bull’ - Murrjinille.

Paul was born at the old Canberra hospital in the centre of his ancestral country and strongly acknowledges his First Nation matriarch ancestors, in particular his mother Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and grandmother, Ms Pearl Simpson-Wedge.

Paul completed a Bachelor of Community Management from Macquarie University, and Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage and Management from CSU.

Paul provided the Welcome to Country for the 47th Opening of Federal Parliament in 2022. Paul is Board Director, Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council, Member Indigenous Reference Group, National Museum of Australia and Australian Government Voice Referendum Engagement Group.  

Paul works on country with the ANU, First Nations Portfolio as a Senior Community Engagement Officer

Acknowledgement of Country

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.

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