ICC SYDNEY is playing its part in furthering the cause of reconciliation between Australia and its First Nations people through week-long celebrations organised alongside community partners, KARI – a charity that helps empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and their families.
Activities during NAIDOC Week – an annual observance that begins in the first week of July to the following Sunday – continues ICC Sydney’s five-year link with KARI. The partnership sees the Darling harbour venue leverage its global reach as an events destination to promote the inclusion of First Nations Peoples, culture and businesses through the venue’s Legacy Program, and in the workplace.
The acronym NAIDOC stand for National Aboriginals’ and Straits Islanders’ Observance Committee.
Cain Slater, KARI’s chief commercial officer, said the partnership had already made connections with thousands of event delegates and venue team members alike at engagements such as City2Surf fun run, Christmas gift donations, KARI Corporate Games Day, Yarning Circles and cultural awareness training.
Performances by KARI’s singers at the venue also contributed to the charity’s capacity to run community projects for First Nations families and children.
“NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to call out the contribution of ICC Sydney’s team who continue to walk with us towards reconciliation,” Slater said. “From connecting us to event attendees at international conventions to fundraising and providing volunteers – the depth of our connection stands ICC Sydney apart as an incredibly committed partner.
“With the great support of ICC Sydney and its Legacy Program, more than 90 per cent of bookings of our KARI Singers are for events at the venue,” he said.
Geoff Donaghy, ICC Sydney CEO and group director of convention centres for venue operator ASM Global (APAC), said the Corporate Social Responsibility partnership between the venue and KARI had enriched the experience and cultural awareness of event attendees and the venue management team.
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“In line with this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, we want to keep the fire burning for reconciliation by fostering connections between our clients, attendees, team members, and First Nations community partners such as KARI,” Donaghy said.
“To meet trending delegate expectations for cultural events as identified in our RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success report and the goals of our Reconciliation Action Plan – our Legacy Program champions organisations such as KARI – ensuring our event services and experiences are inclusive and enriching.”
Samantha Glass, ICC Sydney director of corporate affairs, said: “We are deeply grateful for this powerful partnership that inspires connection with First Nations Peoples through curated event experiences for our clients and event attendees – all while elevating our team’s cultural appreciation and understanding.”
