Reconciliation Australia condemns the offensive disruptions to Welcome to Country ceremonies at Anzac Day Dawn Services.
Welcomes to and Acknowledgements of Country are simple but profound ceremonies which acknowledge the deep connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their homelands and allow all Australians to participate in a centuries-old ceremony.
These protocols have been adapted to contemporary circumstances, but the essential elements remain, welcoming visitors and showing understanding and respect for Country and culture.
Disrespectful actions such as those seen at Anzac Day Dawn Services and other recent events show the gaps in understanding and education about the true history of our country, and also show Welcome to Country ceremonies are needed now more than ever.
We urge everyone not to back away from the inclusion of Welcomes to and Acknowledgements of Country.
We are heartened by the response from ordinary Australians attending who applauded the recognition of First Nations custodians on Anzac Day.
Their actions embody the National Reconciliation Week theme for 2026, All In, which makes clear that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and that all of us must step away from the sidelines and take action to make change.
The theme also reminds us that reconciliation and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights isn’t a given and isn’t a passive activity.
For far too long First Nations peoples have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for reconciliation, but we all need to stand up and play our part.
Being All In is not about guilt or shame, but about the reciprocal responsibility of being Australian.
