About 2025 Schools Reconciliation Challenge
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge is an annual writing and art program for young people across NSW and the ACT. Every year, students are invited to create artworks and stories inspired by a reconciliation theme—and reflect on what reconciliation means to them.
Visit the Schools Reconciliation Website
Feeding Connection : Learning from Country
this years theme is a celebration of deep-rooted knowledge, ecological stewardship, and cultural resilience. At its heart lies the understanding that the land is not just a resource but a living, breathing entity, Country, that teaches, nourishes, and connects us all. Through the lens of reconciliation, sustainability, and education, this project invites students to explore how food and farming are more than just processes—they are cultural practices that hold stories, identity, and collective wisdom.
First Nations peoples have cared for Country, for tens of thousands of years through sophisticated agricultural systems that align with the natural rhythms of the environment. These systems are not only sustainable—they are regenerative. Practices like native grain cultivation, cultural burning, and careful land stewardship support soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. When we learn from these traditions, we begin to see that sustainability is not a new concept, but one that has long been embedded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
The act of growing food becomes a powerful metaphor for planting seeds of change. In classrooms, these themes become opportunities for young people to reflect on their relationship with the land and each other. They are invited to consider how food connects us to our past, nourishes our present, and shapes a more just and sustainable future. It encourages students to ask important questions: What can we learn from Country? How can we honour the knowledge of those who have cared for it for generations? And how can we grow together in reconciliation and respect?
By grounding these conversations in visual storytelling and thoughtful design, this project aims to spark curiosity, conversation, and connection. It sows the idea that reconciliation isn’t a single act, but an ongoing commitment—rooted in listening, learning, and acting with care. Through this creative journey, students are encouraged to see themselves as active participants in a shared future, where diverse knowledge comes together to nourish both people and the planet.
We encourage all participating schools to engage with the lesson plans and activities, and additional resources we have gathered for this year’s challenge to inspire your students to draw, paint, write or sing about their increased knowledge and understanding of the theme.
Past Themes and Catalogues
2009-10 Reconciliation, the Road Ahead
2011 You Me Us
2012 Our Place
2016 Always Was, Always Will Be
2019 Speaking and Listening from the Heart
2021 Under One Sky: Yesterday, Today and Forever
2022 From River to Sea: Our Island Home
2023 What Stories Will You Dream?
2024 Learning From Legacy: Healing Our Country
The Schools Reconciliation Challenge Regional Tour
Current Exhibitions
The exhibition is the culmination of works created by High School and Primary School students across NSW and the ACT which communicate each year’s theme, along with student learnings about reconciliation.
2023 Exhibition will be on display at:
- National Trust – Everglades House & Gardens
📅 May 14 until 27 July 2025
📍 37 Everglades Avenue, Leura NSW 2780
🎟️ Get your ticket
2024 Exhibition will be on display at:
- International Towers
📅 May 17 until 30 July 2025
📍 International Towers, Barangaroo
general public are very welcome to view the exhibition during our opening hours 07:00am – 07:00pm, Monday to Friday
- The Rocks Discovery Museum Foyer
(digital Exhibition)
📅 May 23 until 27 June 2025
📍2-8 Kendall Ln, The Rocks NSW 2000
- National Trust – Grossman House,
📅 August 2 until 31 August 2025
📍 71 Church Street, Maitland NSW 2320
🎟️ Get your ticket
- Parliament House – Fountain Court
📅 2 December 2025 until 29 January 2026
📍6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000