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Continuing on its pathway towards reconciliation, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, celebrates NAIDOC Week alongside one of its First Nations community partners, KARI – a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, families, and communities to flourish. 

The National NAIDOC Committee has announced NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held from 7th – 14th July 2024.            

ICC Sydney’s long-standing partnership with KARI sees the venue leverage its global platform as an events destination to promote the inclusion of First Nations Peoples, culture and businesses through its event Legacy Program, and within its workplace.  

KARI Chief Commercial Officer, Cain Slater said that the partnership had already sparked 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. KARI’s singers performing at events at the venue were also greatly contributing to the charity’s capacity to run community projects for First Nations families and children.   

Slater shared “NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to call out the contribution of ICC Sydney’s team who continue to walk with us towards reconciliation. 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% of bookings of our KARI Singers are for events at the venue.  

ICC Sydney Chief Executive and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC) Geoff Donaghy, said the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership between ICC Sydney and KARI dually enriches event attendees’ and the venue management team’s experience and cultural awareness.    

Donaghy advised “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.   

“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.” 

ICC Sydney Director of Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Samantha Glass added “as we prepare to celebrate NAIDOC Week, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strive towards a more reconciled, inclusive and just society alongside our community partner, KARI. 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.”   

By partnering with KARI, ICC Sydney aims to proactively create a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Sydney. ICC Sydney was recognised as a long-standing partner of KARI in 2023 – marking five years of collaboration on fundraising, volunteering and initiatives that foster connections with First Nations Peoples through business events. ICC Sydney was named the 2023 KARI Fundraiser of the Year and was the 2019 KARI Partner of the Year.   

To find out more about ICC Sydney and its corporate social responsibility initiatives visit www.iccsydney.com.au/about/csr

Image. KARI Singers performing at ICC Sydney. Credit:  Tim Pascoe Photography

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