Qudos Bank Arena releases Reconciliation Action Plan

Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena has reaffirmed its dedication to respecting, celebrating, and acknowledging Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with the launch of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

The land now known as Sydney Olympic Park has been home to the Wangal people for thousands of years. The nearby estuary of Homebush Bay provided the Wangal people with all the food and resources they needed, as well as a means to travel by water.

Since its inception in 1999 and in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Qudos Bank Arena has acknowledged and recognised the local Traditional Custodians; Elders past, present and emerging.

Taking another step toward integrating the region’s rich history with the modern Sydney story - the venue working closely with Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Advisor, Dr Lana Leslie, Gomeroi woman and Managing Director of Gunnedah Hill Business Solutions. The plan will serve as a public declaration of the Arena’s commitment to reconciliation and contributing to effective relationships with First Nations peoples.

Commenting on the process, Qudos Bank Arena RAP Working Group Chairperson, Michael Cox stated “the launch of the Arena’s RAP is a significant achievement that seeks to strengthen the relationships we have between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.

“This Plan will guide our efforts to drive meaningful change, both within our organisation and in the communities we serve.”

The official launch of the RAP took place on Wednesday 28th May at Qudos Bank Arena, during National Reconciliation Week.

The event brought together key figures from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, featuring a smoking ceremony by Ayoola Shogunle, Wiradjuri and Gomeroi man and Cultural Officer at Jarara Cultural Centre; a captivating dance performance by the Wagana Dancers; and a thought-provoking panel discussion on National Reconciliation Week with Elder Aunty Elly Chatfield, Gomeroi woman and artist, poet and actor, and Ayoola Shogunle, facilitated by Dr. Leslie. The event culminated in the unveiling of Qudos Bank Arena’s Reconciliation Action Plan artwork, created by artist John Hunter, Gomeroi and Wiradjuri man and Co-Chair of the Murama Healing Circle in Sydney Olympic Park.

Qudos Bank Arena is a TEG venue and operated by ASM Global.

Image: Stakeholders at the launch of Qudos Bank Arena's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.