Voices for Reconciliation 2026 Celebrated in Ballarat Ballarat is raising its voice for unity, justice and reconciliation as the community comes together for Voices for Reconciliation 2026.

This year, Big Sing for Peace Ballarat, Ballarat Interfaith Network, and Let’s Talk Peace – Ballarat are proudly cohosting a series of events that invite locals to stand together and be All In for Reconciliation with the support of City of Ballarat.

As part of National Reconciliation Week 2026, local singers from Thursday Night Choir and Big Sing for Peace have been rehearsing a special community rendition of the iconic land rights anthem “Beds Are Burning”.

The performance along with special guests will be filmed and submitted to Reconciliation Australia as part of the nationwide Voices for Reconciliation project.

One of the singers made the comment: “what a great opportunity to sing in unity with all the voices in Australia for reconciliation the foot stomping Midnight Oil anthem written by the great Rob Hirst”

Community members are warmly invited to take part in the recording: Thursday 7 May, 7:00 pm The Hub, 21 Main Rd (Corner of Humffray St), Ballarat East Everyone is then encouraged to come along, enjoy the final community performance, and connect over afternoon tea: Sunday 24 May, 3:00 pm BRMC Welcome Centre, Barkly Square, 25–29 Barkly St, Ballarat East

We’re proud to be #AllInForReconciliation. About National Reconciliation Week 2026 Reconciliation Australia is calling on choirs across the country to unite in song for National Reconciliation Week.

The 2026 theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day.

This year’s Voices for Reconciliation song is “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil — a powerful anthem inspired by the 1985 Uluru-Kata Tjuta handback to the Anangu people.

Written during the band’s 1986 Blackfella/Whitefella tour with Warumpi Band, the song became a global hit and a defining soundtrack of the land rights movement.

Its message remains a compelling call to action: to know our history and work together for a just, equitable and reconciled future.

About Big Sing for Peace Big Sing for Peace is a welcoming community singing circle led by local musicians. We celebrate humanity, connection, and our shared capacity to build peace.

No singing experience required — all voices welcome. Upcoming 2026 sessions (3–4 pm): 24 May, 21 June, 19 July, 16 August, 25 October, 22 November, 7 December Location: BRMC Welcome Centre, Barkly Square, Ballarat East

These events are sponsored by Ballarat’s Interfaith Network, Coco Sounds and City of Ballarat.