IMAGE: Artist Vicki Golding, who is also F&B attendant at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, with the West Tigers Indigenous Round jersey she and her son designed together
Accor, in partnership with Wests Tigers and the NRL School to Work Program, helped kick off National Reconciliation Week (NRW) with a special event last Friday (24 May 2019) at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach. With the theme for this year’s NRW Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage, the event brought 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 who (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.
“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,” said Marc Bennie, General Manager Indigenous Programs and Community Investment, Accor. “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.”
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.
Australia’s largest hotel group, Accor, is proud to be celebrating National Reconciliation Week 2019 whilst continuing to be a passionate leader in encouraging cultural tourism and Indigenous employment and engagement within its hotels.
