To mark National Reconciliation Week 2025, we asked Wayne McEwan to share his message for reconciliation. Wayne, a proud Bundjalung man who lives on Wadawurrung country, is Mind’s inaugural Manager – First Nations Relationships.
In this role, Wayne seeks to identify and understand barriers for First Nations people accessing Mind services, and then work with our operational and corporate services teams to address these challenges to enable truly culturally safe and appropriate environments for everyone.
“In the spirit of reconciliation, I borrow a phrase from my uncle, who was a staunch Bundjalung fella. He used to say: ‘We don’t walk in front, we don’t walk behind, but we do walk side by side. We need to learn together. We’re on this journey together, and we need to march forward together.’”
The theme for Reconciliation Week this year is ‘Bridging Now to Next’. It is about reflecting on our progress to date, and harnessing our energies now to take meaningful steps toward a future of greater inclusion and equity. Wayne says this theme reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it’s a commitment.
“Whether you’re just starting your reconciliation journey or have been walking it for years, now is always the right time to lean in. Let’s ensure that the bridges we build today are strong enough to carry future generations built on truth, trust, and a shared purpose,” Wayne said.
Wayne’s role is a newly created position that in itself is a key milestone on Mind’s reconciliation journey. It’s a role that is equally focused on internal and external relationships, improving First Nations employment strategies, and embedding culturally safe processes and practices into everything we do throughout the organisation.
“As the Manager of First Nations Relationships I carry the responsibility and privilege of walking alongside our communities, listening deeply, and working with our business areas to foster spaces where truth-telling, respect, and genuine partnerships can thrive,” he said.
“I’m big on kindness, compassion, respect and being authentic as my core values. For me, leadership is about being true to yourself and true to others, and I believe that’s what makes a difference within an organisation. Eventually, that transitions into work and organisational culture. By making a difference around behaviours and attitudes, the outcomes will flow from that.”