The event was a celebration of the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) peoples and the broader Australian community, coming together to showcase the best of our rich history and culture.

Marc Bennie, General Manager Indigenous Programs and Community Investment, Accor, said “We are delighted to partner with Wests Tigers and the NRL School to Work Program for the second year to bring to life the very essence of National Reconciliation Week through engagement, connection and participation. We believe it’s so important to spread awareness and understanding of our rich Aboriginal and Torres Islander culture through engaging our local community and guests in meaningful conversations and activities.”

With the theme for this year’s NRW Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage, the event at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach enabled Accor and a range of its Indigenous Programs partners, including the Wests Tigers and NRL School to Work, to bring the culture of Indigenous Australia to life through authentic storytelling, art, music, food and a range of engaging hospitality work based experiences.

A customary Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony and warm welcome was given by Aunty Ali Golding, a well-respected Aboriginal community Elder. While Aunty Golding’s daughter, Vicki Golding, Food and Beverage attendant at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach and notable artist whom (with her son) designed the Wests Tigers Indigenous Round Jersey for the club, hosted an art workshop with attendees.

As a mark of reconciliation, local school students and partners from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds came together and were encouraged to pursue their goals and dreams through education by guest speaker and former NRL player, George Rose. George shared his own beliefs in the importance of continuous learning and emphasised the opportunities that education presents in widening ones knowledge and understanding.

Novotel’s NRW event helped launch Accor’s national program of celebration in support of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members, guests and community.

Keehan Diamond, Community Engagement Coordinator, Wests Tigers, said “Wests Tigers are excited to partner with Accor again in 2019 as part of the reconciliation journey. We thank the Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach hotel team and especially Vicky Golding for her wonderful, inspiring jersey design with which our players wore with pride during the Reconciliation Round. We are proud to help shine a spotlight on the importance of our Indigenous culture, respectful relationships and united community.”

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