National Reconciliation Week 2025 – ‘Bridging Now to Next’

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ invites us to reflect not only on where we’ve been, but where we go next – and how we ensure that path is shaped by truth, respect, and the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also challenges us to acknowledge that reconciliation is a shared responsibility – one that requires listening deeply, acting meaningfully, and committing to long-term change. 

This year, we have chosen as an organisation to raise funds for Children’s Ground for the second year, by hosting a Wear It Yellow fundraising morning tea with staff donning yellow and new pins to support the day. Exceeding last year’s contribution of $1,300, we’ve so far raised more than $1,400 to contribute to a future where every child experiences a lifetime of opportunity, grows up strong in their identity and culture, and lives free from injustice and poverty.

Embedding cultural capability, equity and access in our foundations

At Mental Health First Aid, we are honouring this commitment through the launch of our new Strategic Plan 2024–30 and Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) – embedding cultural awareness, safety and leadership into all that we do.

The launch of our new Reflect RAP this year is one of the ways we are formalising this commitment. It sets out clear, accountable steps to deepen our partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, embed cultural safety into all areas of our work, and amplify First Nations leadership within and beyond our programs.

Through this plan, we are:

• • Embedding cultural safety and leadership across all programs and organisational practices – ensuring our workplaces, partnerships, and training environments are respectful, inclusive, and grounded in self-determination.
  • Investing in cultural capability at all levels – from governance and executive leadership to frontline staff – through training, reflective practice, and lived experience guidance.
  • Formalising our accountability, which includes practical, measurable actions to deepen relationships, improve organisational knowledge, and amplify First Nations voices in how we work and what we prioritise.

Expanding the program, amplifying community voices

Improving the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is inseparable from the work of reconciliation. This year, we’re scaling the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program through fundraising and awareness campaigns to help the program reach more communities – from urban centres to remote regions. These efforts aim to ensure that culturally safe, community-led mental health education is available to all who need it.

By raising funds, we can expand the program’s research and engagement capabilities, train more instructors, strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workplaces and communities, and build the capacity of more Australians to respond in culturally informed ways.

This growth will be guided by cultural authority, driven by community, and grounded in our shared journey toward a more just, equitable, and reconciled future.

Bridging now to next

As an organisation, we recognise that “Bridging Now to Next” means turning intention into action – and we are committed to walking that bridge together, with our MHFAiders, Instructors, providers, partners, communities, and all those working for a reconciled Australia.

Through our Strategic Plan and Reflect RAP, we are committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the decisions we make, the programs we deliver, and the way we show up every day.

Read more about National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme of Bridging Now To Next.

With your help, we can expand our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Program. Donate Now