A comprehensive action plan at the Cairns Convention Centre embeds the culture of First Nation Peoples into every event experience.
The process of reconciliation in Australia refers to embracing the cultures and histories of the country’s indigenous First Nations People. The Cairns Convention Centre, located in Tropical North Queensland within a region that is home to 18 First Nations groups, has launched a new initiative called Innovate Reconciliation Action (RAP), a plan that commits to embedding reconciliation across every part of the Centre’s operations and attendee experience.
“This plan strengthens our commitment to creating employment pathways for First Nations Peoples, growing procurement with First Nations owned businesses, and continuing to build a culturally safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Cairns Convention Centre’s General Manager Janet Hamilton in a press statement. “Through authentic storytelling, art, food and experiences, we want delegates to connect with the richness of First Nations cultures, and we want our industry to see reconciliation as something we do, not just something we say.”
RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the country’s lead nonprofit organization for reconciliation. It sets out 17 actions and 82 deliverables across categories of respect, opportunities and governance. This includes:
• Implementing cultural awareness training for staff.
• Developing of a First Nations inspired menu in partnership with Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Elder Professor Henrietta Marrie, who helped develop RAP.
• Increasing bush medicine plants in the Centre’s garden.
• Promoting First Nations stories through digital platforms and event programming.
• Using procurement strategies designed to increase engagement with First Nations suppliers.
• Partnering with First Nations owned businesses for attendee and speaker gifts.
• Offering and promoting First Nations tours and experiences.
RAP is also supported by the commissioned artwork Reef Connections by local First Nations artist Elverina Johnson, which celebrates deep cultural connections to land and sea. The artwork, displayed in the centre’s main entry foyer, illustrates the connection between ocean, reef, mangroves and land for First Nations Peoples, particularly the Gungganji and Yidinji people of Yarrabah and Cairns. Stories of hunting and gathering on the reef have been passed down through generations, reflecting how the sea sustains life.
The Cairns Convention Centre features a 2,300-seat auditorium, a 5,000-seat arena, 440-seat plenary, 23 breakout meeting rooms, a ballroom for up to 500 guests and an outdoor terrace with breathtaking waterfront views. “We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Cairns Convention Centre stands,” said a press statement. “We pay our respects to Elders past and present and to future leaders. We extend that respect to all First Nations People who visit our Centre.”
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