2026 competition entries are closed - see some of the winners on the day.
In the lead up to Reconciliation Day ACT students entered our:
- music competition
- poster competition
- art exhibition.
All entries are inspired by the 2026 theme for Reconciliation week: All In. This theme reflects that reconciliation will not happen without all of us.
Visit Reconciliation Australia for more about the theme and National Reconciliation Week.
Reconciliation Day music competition
We invite students in Years 7 to 12 to showcase their singing, songwriting and instrumental talents.
Entries closed on Monday 27 April 2026.
Students can submit a file with an original song or a cover performance.
Finalists will:
- receive mentoring support and performance guidance
- build confidence and refine their creative skills
- connect with other young musicians.
Mentoring support is provided by the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation.
The winner will take the stage at our Reconciliation Day event.
How to enter the music competition
How to Enter
Students are invited to create an original song or perform a cover song inspired by the theme: All In. This year's theme reflects that everyone has a role to play in reconciliation.
Submit a file with your musical piece (audio or video). Files must be high quality and ready for review.
Include your name, age, school, and contact details.
Entries can be original compositions or you can perform a cover.
Group performances are accepted only if all members are eligible to enter.
Entries closed on Monday 27 April 2026.
Who is eligible to enter
Entry is open to all ACT school students in Years 7 to 12.
Entrants must be available to participate in all stages of the competition if they are selected as finalists. This includes mentoring sessions and the Reconciliation Day event.
Parental permission
All participants will need permission to enter. Finalists will need supervision on the day from a parent or guardian.
Finalist information and key dates
Information for finalists
Only selected entries will progress to finalist review.
Finalists must attend:
- mentoring sessions
- rehearsal
- the event performance.
Timeline and key dates
Entries close: Friday 27 April 2026
Mentoring Session
Date: Thursday 30 April 2026
Location: 36 Grattan Ct, Wanniassa, ACT 2903
Open Mic
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Location: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed St N, Canberra ACT 2900
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Visit Yunggabilli Open Mic
The Yunggabilli Open Mic has been developed in consultation with:
The performance
The winner will perform at the ACT Reconciliation Day event on Monday 01 June 2026. Reconciliation Day is a public holiday in the ACT.
Reconciliation Day poster competition
The poster competition is open to all ACT students in Years K to 10. Students can create a unique A4 poster inspired by the theme: All In. This theme reflects that everyone has a role to play in reconciliation.
The winning school will receive a $1,000 prize to support reconciliation materials and initiatives.
The winning poster may be transformed into a public mural. Show us what reconciliation means to you!
Entries closed on Friday 1 May 2026.
How to enter a poster
Enter a poster to:
- share your understanding of reconciliation.
- promote respect, connection, and truth telling through art.
- win a cash prize to support reconciliation projects at your school.
To Enter
Create an original A4 poster inspired by the theme: All In (everyone has a role to play in reconciliation).
Use materials like pencils, markers, paint or pastels.
Avoid bulky or messy materials like glitter, stickers or felt.
Scan or photograph your poster.
Register the poster before entries close.
Entries closed on Friday 1 May 2026.
Poster competition prizes
The prizes
First place
- $1,000 for the winning school to support reconciliation projects.
- Opportunity for the artwork to become a public mural.
- Artwork printed on canvas for the student or school for a school display.
Second and third places
Artworks printed on canvas for the student or school for a school display.
Reconciliation Day art exhibition
Our art exhibition is for students from ACT Preschool up to Year 2.
Entries closed on Friday 1 May 2026.
Students can submit an original artwork up to 1 metre by 1 metre in size. Art should be inspired by the theme: All In. The theme reflects how everyone has a role to play in reconciliation.
The student art exhibition will be displayed during Reconciliation Week. Our youngest artists have big stories to tell!
About the exhibition
This exhibition will show the perspectives of young children as they explore themes of inclusion, kindness, action and shared responsibility.
The theme of All In was selected by National Reconciliation Week. This 2026 theme highlights collective responsibility and shared commitment to reconciliation.
All selected artworks will be exhibited during Reconciliation Week for families and the community to enjoy.
This is a non-competitive showcase celebrating creativity and community spirit.
All care will be taken to look after the artwork.
Artworks will be available for collection at the end of the event or from 220 London Circuit, Canberra City the following week.
If you are unable to drop off or collect artwork, email us at: reconciliation@act.gov.au
Information for artists
Create an original artwork (maximum size 1m x 1m).
In their artworks students are encouraged to reflect on:
- respect
- inclusion
- taking action together.
Artwork may be in any 2D medium (paint, pencil, collage or similar).
Must be suitable for display (no heavy, dangerous or overly bulky materials).
Entries closed on Friday 1 May 2026.
How to submit your art
Teachers or educators may submit artworks for their class.
Entries closed on Friday 1 May 2026.
Drop off or post art to:
Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
220 London Circuit, Canberra City 2601
Or mail to:
PO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
Please ensure each artwork is labelled using our template before you submit the art.