International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has strengthened its commitment to respecting, celebrating and acknowledging Australia’s First Nations community as it launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan at the city’s inaugural Business Sydney First Nations Forum earlier this week.
Over a two-year period, ICC Sydney’s second Reconciliation Action Plan will celebrate the cultures, protocols and traditions of Australia’s First Nations people. It expands upon established initiatives across four key areas of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance with several deliverables, including:
- Working with First Nations businesses and communities across Australia through its supply chains and community networks
- Client and community stakeholder engagement via its Legacy Program
- Actively collaborating with vocational education providers and community partners to attract and develop First Nations employees
- Increasing the cultural competency of its team members to deepen community understanding
ICC Sydney’s CEO Geoff Donaghy said: “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 speakers such as Reconciliation Australia’s CEO Karen Mundine; City of Sydney councillor Yvonne Weldon; Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce chairman and Nyungga Black group executive chairman, Warren Mundine; and KARI Foundation’s CEO 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 – on Tumbalong, the land, and Gomora, the water, 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 tens of 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,” Donaghy said.
Weldon commended ICC Sydney on its capability to strengthen relationships between First Nations businesses and international and interstate visitors.
“Across this country, my people have come together to continue our traditions, practices and ceremonies for over 65,000 years and we are continuing to do this, with, in and alongside ICC Sydney.
“As a prominent location for local and international visitors, ICC Sydney has a unique opportunity to educate and inspire its audiences to connect with Australia’s First Nations. The initiatives that ICC Sydney has committed to across employment, economic development and cultural education are great examples of how the cultures, heritage and history of our First Peoples can be celebrated and continue to be widely promoted.”
ICC Sydney’s director of corporate affairs and communication, and chair of ICC Sydney’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Samantha Glass said the venue’s commitment toward a just, equitable and reconciled Australia included initiatives that will reach event attendees and its workforce alike via their new commitments.
“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. By continuing to build a welcoming and inclusive culture, we hope to extend career opportunities and encourage more First Nations people to join our team,” Glass said.
In 2018, ICC Sydney was the first convention centre to commit to a Reconciliation Action Plan and this next phase of work continues to build respect of, relationships with, and opportunities for Australia’s First Nations people.
