July 9, 2026 in News
Connecting Community — First Peoples Health & Wellbei...
Many significant connections often begin with a mutual purpose. For First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing and A.G. Coombs, this connection was made th...
May 29, 2025
National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – provides an opportunity to learn about our shared histories and cultures and how we can collectively contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
As Australia’s Leading Building Services Specialist, we recognise the importance of meaningful relationships with the communities the A.G. Coombs Group of Companies work with every day.
Through our corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the continued implementation of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we remain committed to strengthening these relationships and contributing to lasting positive change.
This year, the theme of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is “Bridging Now to Next”, encouraging reflection on the past while looking ahead to
a united future.
Collaborative Brisbane event to start National Reconciliation Week
Partnering with clients who share its reconciliation goals, A.G. Coombs is delivering a series of joint events throughout the week.
On 26 May, A.G. Coombs collaborated with Cromwell Property Group to host a special National Reconciliation Week morning celebration in the foyer
of HQ North Tower at 540 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley.
A.G. Coombs Managing Director Russell Telford; A.G. Coombs QLD General Manager Iain Bonnar; and Social Procurement, Inclusion & Engagement Leader, Aaron Clark welcomed staff, fellow HQ tenants and guests.
After a Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Lafe Charlton and Kiana Charlton, guests enjoyed a cultural performance by musician Ben Baker and networking while visiting displays by First Nations-owned Yilay Indigenous Clothing, Gambir Workforce and Yaala Sparkling Water. Professional photography by Lewis James Media on the day and a tailored menu was created by Indigenous catering firm, Fig Jam and Co.
“I am proud of the way A.G. Coombs team members embrace our commitment to reconciliation and respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” commented A.G. Coombs QLD
General Manager, Iain Bonnar.
“Being at our special NRW morning event in Brisbane with my team and Cromwell was particularly meaningful for me. It reinforced how our relationships with clients and Indigenous businesses are having a strong social impact at a local level and are opening the doors to a more positive shared future,” he added.
Proudly hosting, attending & participating in NRW activities
A.G. Coombs staff across the country have been invited to celebrate at several inhouse National Reconciliation Week events, including activities hosted by Korin Gamadji Institute and First People’s Health and Wellbeing.
Welcome to Country ceremonies and NRW morning teas are being hosted at A.G. Coombs offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Newington, Canberra and Townsville throughout the week.
Like Cromwell Property Group in Brisbane, A.G. Coombs is delighted to collaborate with other like-mind clients as they too celebrate and recognise National Reconciliation Week 2025 including:
- Spring Place by ISPT in Melbourne on 27 May with guest speaker Luke Murray, Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator at Korin Gamadji Institute (Richmond Football Club’s institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth leadership).
- Walker Fire Protection and A.G. Coombs were proud to support Game Time Coffee on the 28 May – a social enterprise initiative by Jake Long and Jason Williams. Through procurement, we’re backing the Game Time Coffee Sports Fund to help ensure young Indigenous athletes don’t miss out on the moments that shape who they are.
- University of Melbourne on 29 May featuring a native tree
planting ceremony. - “Get Your Reconciliation On!” Frankston Foreshore Community Event and fun run on 31 May organised by First Peoples’ Heath and Wellbeing
Acknowledging milestones that shape our collective future
Did you know National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
- 27 May marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The 1967 referendum which saw over 90% of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.
- 3 June commemorates the 1992 High Court of Australia landmark Mabo decision which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land — a relationship that existed prior to colonisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for Native Title land rights.
Learn more about National Reconciliation Week at www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week
