VenuesWest and Tourism & Transport Forum flag significance of National Reconciliation Week

May 29, 2024

Karen Sweaney

Australia’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) - held every year from 27th May to 3rd June - is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore the contributions that can be made to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

With this year’s theme being ‘Now More Than Ever’ VenuesWest and Tourism & Transport Forum have flagged the significance of the week.

Perth's Optus Stadium was lit up in black, yellow and red on Monday night to recognise National Reconciliation Week with VenuesWest Chief Executive, David Etherton explaining on social media "National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared achievements, and on behalf of VenuesWest I want to acknowledge the significant ongoing contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made to the nation's sport and entertainment industry.

"Across all of our venues, VenuesWest is committed to reconciliation. Our vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be fully valued for their ongoing positive contribution to the sport and entertainment industry."

Tourism & Transport Forum Chief Executive Margy Osmond noted the significance of the week and how TTF and its members are supporting reconciliation.

Osmond shared via a video posting on LinkedIn “I think Reconciliation Week must be important to all Australians. It’s a critical part of who we are as Australians and the need for us to be closer and more engaged with our First Nations fellow Australians.

“TTF has a Reconciliation Action Plan. All of our staff here and our members are committed to that Reconciliation Action Plan and we look forward to doing more and more in this space.”

TTF Australia released its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in February 2024, demonstrating the industry’s firm commitment to supporting First Nations tourism and reconciliation as a top priority for 2024.

At the time of the launch Osmond said it marked a proud day for the tourism industry and its dedication to First Nations communities adding “What a privilege it is to present the Tourism and Transport Forum’s Reflect RAP. We are honoured to be working towards a meaningful reconciliation journey with First Nations people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and travel.

“We’re committed to ensuring First Nations tourism can grow and thrive, so that all international visitors to Australia, as well as domestic travellers, have the opportunity to fully appreciate, understand and experience the world’s oldest continuous living culture.”

“As the peak body for the tourism & transport sectors, this is not just an important commitment for our organisation, but for the industry more broadly. We look forward to working closely with our members on their reconciliation journeys and ensuring we all take genuine steps to work together, listen and learn from First Nations people.

“We want to create an environment where First Nations people can flourish, by sharing their rich, vibrant and diverse stories, traditions and connection to Country. By going on this journey with the support of our members, we believe we can bring people closer together and build a sector that is truly contributing to the wellbeing of First Nations communities.”

Watch Margy Osmond’s full interview on LinkedIn

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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