Bridging Cultures: ICC Sydney and KARI’s Journey of Partnership and Reconciliation
ICC Sydney—operated by ASM Global—takes ongoing reconciliation initiatives and continues to join forces with the non-profit KARI to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, families, and communities in observing NAIDOC Week.
Through its partnership with KARI, ICC Sydney can use its international event platform to increase the recognition and accessibility of the First Nations Peoples, their cultures, and businesses. KARI Chief Commercial Officer Cain Slater said all this was intensely working by building relationships with people under programs like the City2Surf fun run, Christmas gift drives, KARI Corporate Games Day, Yarning Circles, and providing cultural awareness training. Performances by the singers from KARI enhance the events, where community projects to benefit First Nations families and children are supported.
Mr. Slater noted that “NAIDOC Week provides a significant platform for acknowledging ICC Sydney’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation. The support from ICC Sydney and its Legacy Program has been instrumental, with over 90% of our KARI Singers’ bookings being for events hosted at the venue.”
Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres for ASM Global (APAC), felt this collaboration would expand ICC Sydney’s work in Corporate Social Responsibility by heightening knowledge of Aboriginal cultural practices by both attendees and venue staff to facilitate a more enriching experience in all aspects.
As said by Mr Donaghy, “In alignment with this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, our goal is to sustain the momentum for reconciliation by fostering meaningful connections between our clients, attendees, team members, and First Nations community partners like KARI.”
Samantha Glass, ICC Sydney’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability, firmly reiterated her commitment to continuing to drive a reconciled, inclusive, and just society far into the future. She expressed thanks for the strong partnership with KARI, which advances cultural appreciation through bespoke event experiences while supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Sydney.
This year, ICC Sydney received an award for its long-term partnership with KARI, which has continued for five years through fundraising, volunteering, and projects further connecting the First Nations people with business events. The venue was also named the 2023 KARI Fundraiser of the Year and previously took home the 2019 KARI Partner of the Year Award.
