Our fourth Reconciliation Memoir celebrates the life and legacy of Yawuru elder and former Senator Patrick Dodson—widely recognised as the Father of Reconciliation in Australia.
Produced by Reconciliation WA, with support from Wesfarmers and event support from Woodside, the Memoir was launched during National Reconciliation Week 2025. Each year since 2022, we’ve honoured a longstanding champion of the reconciliation movement through this powerful storytelling series.
This year’s Memoir features a deeply personal conversation between Patrick Dodson and former Liberal Minister Ken Wyatt—two of Australia’s most influential First Nations advocates. Together, they reflect on decades of leadership, justice, and the unfinished journey of reconciliation.
Written in collaboration with Victoria Laurie, the Memoir was launched at Subiaco Arts Centre on Thursday, 29 May, with 159 attendees joining in person and online—including two international guests. The Memoir will also be available via SBS On Demand in July.
Patrick Dodson served as Senator for Western Australia from 2016 to 2024, representing the Australian Labor Party. His lifelong commitment to truth-telling, cultural integrity, and systemic change continues to shape the national conversation.
You can purchase copies of the Reconciliation Memoirs here.
This marks the fourth instalment in the Reconciliation Memoirs series, following Fred Chaney OAM (2022), Dr Richard Walley OAM (2023), and Carol Innes AM (2024). Together, these Memoirs honour the voices, leadership, and enduring impact of reconciliation trailblazers.
