The Northern Territory marked an important moment in its reconciliation journey yesterday with the official launch of Reconciliation Northern Territory, a new peak body established to support, coordinate and strengthen reconciliation efforts across communities, workplaces and sectors.
The formation of Reconciliation Northern Territory brings the Territory into alignment with every other Australian jurisdiction, each now having a dedicated body focused on advancing reconciliation in partnership with community, government and industry. The launch brought together representatives from local and national organisations, government, business and community, reflecting strong support for a coordinated and practical approach to reconciliation across the Territory.
Reconciliation Northern Territory has been established to provide leadership, advocacy and guidance to organisations undertaking reconciliation work. A key focus will be supporting workplaces, government agencies, community organisations and businesses that have, or are developing, Reconciliation Action Plans. The organisation aims to help translate commitments into meaningful outcomes through stronger relationships, cultural understanding and shared responsibility.
Inaugural Chairperson Jenna Cubillo, a proud Larrakia woman, addressed launch attendees and spoke to the importance of having dedicated structures to sustain reconciliation efforts over the long term.
"Reconciliation Northern Territory has been created because there is a growing need for a dedicated organisation to support, enable, and strengthen the reconciliation journey across all communities and sectors," she said. "Reconciliation is not just symbolic. It requires commitment, learning, and sustained action."
Ms Cubillo emphasised that reconciliation must be embedded into everyday practice across institutions and workplaces, rather than treated as a one off initiative. She noted that consistent support, education and accountability are critical to building trust and delivering long term change across the Territory.
At a national level, the launch was recognised as a significant milestone by Reconciliation Australia. CEO Karen Mundine acknowledged the importance of strong local leadership working alongside national frameworks.
"Reconciliation is a national challenge and requires both national and local responses. So today, on the launch of Reconciliation Northern Territory, we are pleased that every state and territory in Australia now has a body dedicated to reconciliation and advancing First Nations rights. Reconciliation Australia welcomes the new NT body and looks forward to working with them for a more just and united Australia."
Local government leaders also welcomed the establishment of the new peak body. City of Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles highlighted the value of collaboration and shared responsibility at a community level.
"City of Darwin is proud to be part of the establishment of this important network. Our commitment to Reconciliation and driving positive change in our community is strengthened by working with partners across our community."
Support for Reconciliation Northern Territory has also come from major Territory employers with established reconciliation commitments. Power and Water Deputy CEO John Pease spoke to the central role reconciliation plays in service delivery and community connection.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up around 30 per cent of the Northern Territory population, therefore around 30 per cent of our customers," said John Pease, Deputy CEO, Power and Water.
"Our commitment to reconciliation is not optional. It is central to how we serve those customers, support our team and contribute to the communities in which we operate. We have supported this initiative from the beginning through our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, which focuses on promoting reconciliation through our sphere of influence. We are committed to continuing to walk this path with respect, partnership and purpose."
CDC Regional Australia Division CEO Tony Hopkins also welcomed the launch and reinforced the importance of partnership with the new peak body.
"CDC Northern Territory welcomes the establishment of Reconciliation Northern Territory. We are looking forward to working together as we continue on our own reconciliation journey as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan. As a RAP organisation, we are looking forward to partnering with this new body to strengthen cultural understanding in our workplaces and help deliver meaningful action across the Territory."
As part of its establishment phase, Reconciliation Northern Territory will invite nominations for its inaugural Board and has launched a Youth Artwork Competition to design its official logo. This initiative aims to ensure young Territorians are actively involved in shaping the organisation's identity and future direction.
Closing the launch, Cubillo reinforced the shared responsibility required to strengthen reconciliation across the Northern Territory.
"Reconciliation is not only about the past, but about the future we build together," she said. "Yesterday marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Northern Territory."
