What does it truly mean to be “all in”?.
Not in the sense of a game, with a clear endpoint or moment of victory – but as a lifelong commitment. A commitment to walk alongside First Nations peoples, to listen deeply, and to keep showing up, even when the work is difficult.
Reconciliation asks exactly this of us.
National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time for reflection, learning and connection. It marks two significant milestones in Australia’s history: May 27th – the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, where over 90% of Australians voted to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census, and June 3rd – the anniversary of the Mabo decision, which recognised the pre-existing rights of First Nations peoples to their land.
But this week is more than remembrance. It is a reminder that reconciliation is not achieved in moments – it is built through everyday and ongoing actions.
This is especially important in aged care.
Reconciliation in aged care shapes the way we honour and support First Nations Elders. It calls us to provide culturally safe care that respects identity, preserves language and traditions, and strengthens connection to family, community and Country. It challenges us to move beyond standardised models of care and instead embrace First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. In doing so, we begin to address longstanding inequities in health and ageing and reduce the risk of further trauma and isolation caused by culturally inappropriate services.
It can be difficult to fully capture the impact of culturally safe care – but its importance is undeniable.
I have had the privilege of witnessing this first-hand, the way an Uncle, supported by mobility aids, rises to his feet to ‘shake-a-leg’ when he hears the sound of a yidaki. The way an Aunty, living with advanced arthritis, moves her hands freely through muscle memory to express culture through weaving pandanus leaves. The way sharing a traditional meal with family and community brings visible comfort and soul connection, and ignites memory where yesterday it was a challenge.
These are not small moments – they are powerful expressions of identity, dignity and belonging.
Cultural safety goes far beyond awareness. It requires deep respect, understanding and intentional action – honouring the strengths, knowledge and resilience of First Nations peoples while acknowledging the historical and ongoing impacts that continue to shape their experiences of care today.
Our Elders are the custodians of knowledge, culture and story. Supporting them to age well is not only a responsibility – it is an investment in the future, ensuring that this knowledge continues to be shared across generations and preserved into the future.
There are positive steps forward. Initiatives such as legislating a Statement of Rights signal progress, affirming that all older Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are entitled to safe, respectful and culturally appropriate care. Building on this foundation, the sector has a real opportunity to embed First Nations leadership across all levels of aged care design, delivery and evaluation.
Genuine co-design, developed in partnership with communities, should be the standard – not the exception.
Mainstream services are increasingly called to step up to this moment, taking active responsibility for building culturally safe environments where every person is seen, heard and valued.
Most importantly, we must be guided by the voices and lived experiences of First Nations peoples – not just during this week, but every day.
National Reconciliation Week is not just a moment of reflection – it is a call to action.
It asks each of us to listen, to learn, and to act. To stay in conversations when they are uncomfortable. To recognise inequities and challenge them. To speak up when something does not feel right. To continuously reflect on how we can improve the way we work alongside one another.
Real change does not happen in isolation. It happens when we come together with respect, humility and a shared commitment to a better future. That is what it means to be “all in” on reconciliation.
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The voices that matter most in this conversation are First Nations voices. This post was written by Kim Ezzy, a First Nations woman, cultural liaison and aged care consultant, and a proud member of the CDCS team. If your service is ready to take the next step, reach out to the CDCS team for practical resources, training and tailored support.
