On behalf of our passionate team, it is with great pride and humility that we reconfirm and expand on ICC Sydney’s commitment to reconciliation.
At Business Sydney’s inaugural First Nations Forum – to demonstrate the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the economic prosperity of our city – we released our new Reconciliation Action Plan to grow, learn and share along our journey with our First Nations community.
In 2018, ICC Sydney was the first Australian convention centre to commit to a Reconciliation Action Plan and this next phase of work expands our initiatives to build greater engagement with, and acknowledgment of, Australia’s First Nations people – with our customers, event attendees and our own team members.
Under the trusted counsel of ICC Sydney’s key stakeholders Reconciliation Australia, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, KARI Foundation, Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative, Aunty Margret Campbell of Dreamtime Southern X, and Supply Nation, our team is committed to respecting our First Nations community, building relationships and creating new opportunities.
We understand that the reconciliation journey does not follow a straight line, nor can it be a ‘to do’ list where we simply tick off tasks. Rather, our vision for reconciliation is one where collaboration and partnership foster greater inclusion, opportunities and recognition for Australia’s First Nations people.
That’s why events like Business Sydney’s First Nations Forum, which featured noted speakers such as Reconciliation Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Karen Mundine; City of Sydney Councillor, Yvonne Weldon; Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Chairman and Nyungga Black Group Executive Chairman, Warren Mundine AO; and KARI Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Casey Ralph, are so important.
As an iconic destination, which stands and operates on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation – traversing Tumbalong, the land, and Gomora, the water, of what is known today as Darling Harbour – ICC Sydney has a unique opportunity to foster and promote reconciliation.
We are very proud to be located in this special place, where people have gathered to meet, trade and hold ceremonies for many thousands of years, which is why we are committed to meaningful engagement with First Nations communities and through our event Legacy Program, we will continue to present First Nations culture to the thousands of visitors walking through our doors each year.
We have the great privilege of welcoming people from around Australia and across the world and for many, their experiences at ICC Sydney may be their first in Australia – whether in person or online. We believe we have not just an opportunity, but an obligation to celebrate and acknowledge Australia’s First Nations people and culture. By continuing to build a welcoming and inclusive workplace, we hope to extend career opportunities for more First Nations people who are encouraged to join our team.