ICC Sydney connects to First Nations Elders with launch of Yarning Circle Series

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has marked National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week, with the launch of ‘Yarning Circles’ – a celebration of the vast knowledge, leadership, and legacy of First Nations Elders. The Series will be delivered in collaboration with ICC Sydney’s community partner KARI. Kicking off this week, Yarning Circles will be held on the first Tuesday of every month until December 2023, and build upon the cultural awareness of ICC Sydney’s team members by introducing them to a range of traditional Aboriginal cultural practices including weaving, artefact-making, dance, stories, and conversations.

The first Tuesday (July 4)’s weaving workshop was delivered by Anna Gannon, cultural support and training specialist at KARI and attended by proud Dharawal Elder Aunty Maxine Ryan. It allowed the venue team to learn about the ancient art of weaving, connecting them directly with Aboriginal artists to practice this skill, converse, and learn from their stories and experiences. ICC Sydney will broaden participation in the Yarning Circles events to include event organisers and stakeholders that may be interested in also introducing these important engagement activities into their business practices and events. ICC Sydney CEO and group director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy says he hopes this project demonstrated how the venue team was committed to reconciliation. “As an iconic destination, which stands and operates on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation – the land of Tumbalong and the waterway of Gomora, on what is known today as Darling Harbour – ICC Sydney strives to truly reconcile with First Nations People through our business practices and the commitments we have made through our second Reconciliation Action Plan,” Donaghy adds. He continued: “Through Yarning Circles, we aim to build cultural competency in our team members and to educate and inspire our clients, visitors and the local community to do the same. In time, and through our Legacy Program, we hope to inspire event planners to engage KARI to provide this dynamic and enriching experience for their attendees as they tap into the profound resource of First Nations Elders,” CEO of the KARI, Cain Slater said: “As a long-time partner of ICC Sydney, KARI welcomed this opportunity to deepen our relationship with the team to deliver Yarning Circles where we will introduce visitors to the traditions of our revered Elders and the broader community.” NAIDOC Week recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and is an opportunity for Australians to learn about First Nations Peoples, cultures, and histories – both ancient and contemporary. This year’s NAIDOC week theme ‘For Our Elders’ highlights how Elders are a fundamental part of First Nations communities.