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As part of ongoing efforts towards reconciliation, the International Convention Center Sydney (ICC Sydney), operated by ASM Global, celebrates NAIDOC Week with its First Nations community partner, KARI. KARI is a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting the development and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, families and communities.

Through its ongoing partnership with KARI, ICC Sydney leverages its international stature as an event hub to enhance the visibility and integration of First Nations people, their culture and businesses into its event legacy program and corporate environment.

KARI Chief Commercial Officer Ken Slater noted that the collaboration has fostered engagement with thousands of event attendees and staff during activities such as the City2Surf Fun Run, Christmas Gift Drive, KARI Corporate Games Day, Yarning Circle and cultural awareness training sessions. Performances by KARI’s singers at these events significantly support the organization’s community projects for First Nations families and children.

“NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to call out the contributions of the ICC Sydney team who continue to work with us towards reconciliation. From connecting us with event attendees at international conventions to fundraising and providing volunteers – the depth of our engagement sets ICC Sydney apart as an incredibly committed partner.

“Over 90% of our KARI singers’ bookings are for events at the venue, with great support from ICC Sydney and its legacy programme,” said Mr. Slater.

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centers for ASM Global (APAC), highlighted that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with KARI not only builds cultural awareness but also enriches the event attendees and venue management team. . Overall experience.

“In line with this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, we want to keep the fire for reconciliation burning by fostering connections between our clients, attendees, team members and First Nations community partners like KARI.

“To meet the trending delegate expectations for cultural events identified in our honor: shaping events to report success and the goals of our Reconciliation Action Plan – our legacy program champion organizations such as KARI – ensuring our event services and experiences are inclusive and enriching,” Mr. Donaghy said.

ICC Sydney’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Samantha Glass said: “As we prepare to celebrate NAIDOC Week, we stand firm in our commitment to work together with our community partner, KARI, towards a more harmonious, inclusive and just society. We are extremely grateful for this powerful partnership that inspires engagement with First Nations people through curated event experiences for our clients and event attendees – while enhancing our team’s cultural appreciation and understanding.

ICC Sydney’s collaboration with KARI is focused on promoting a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth in Sydney. In 2023, ICC Sydney was recognized for its enduring partnership with KARI, celebrating five years of joint efforts that strengthen relationships with First Nations people through fundraising, volunteering, and initiatives that strengthen relationships with First Nations people. The venue was honored as the 2023 KARI Fundraiser of the Year and previously won the 2019 KARI Partner of the Year award.