The Sydney Opera House and EnergyAustralia have announced the renewal of their major partnership for a further two years.
The renewed partnership builds on a two-year program under which the Opera House and EnergyAustralia worked on highly successful projects, including the Opera House achieving carbon neutrality five years early, and for the first time, participating in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, with a glittering 10-metre float titled Out at the House including 50 marchers from both organisations.
To kick-off the renewed partnership, Opera House CEO Louise Herron and EnergyAustralia managing director Catherine Tanna, together with a number of First Nations team members from both organisations, recently travelled to the 21st annual Garma Festival (August 2 – 5). Held in the far north east of the Northern Territory, Garma immerses 2650 guests in the rich cultural, artistic and ceremonial traditions of the Yolngu hosts.
Under the partnership, EnergyAustralia will also be an event partner for Dance Rites (November 23 – 24), the Opera House’s spectacular annual event drawing First Nations dancers from across Australia and around the world.
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EnergyAustralia Managing Director Catherine Tanna said, “What we’ve found in the Opera House is a like-minded partner: optimistic, outward looking and open minded.
“Something we share with our customers and our people is the belief that the combination of different backgrounds and ideas is a cause for attention and celebration,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to the next chapter of our partnership with the Opera House. There’s still plenty of work for us to do.”
NSW Minister for the Arts and Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said, “The Opera House is a part of our nation’s rich cultural fabric, celebrated as a world-class performing arts centre, an iconic building and, importantly, a meeting place for the community.
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“EnergyAustralia’s support for Australia’s Indigenous culture and highlighting the issue of diversity and equality is a wonderful example of what true collaboration can enable for the wider community.
“As both Minister for the Arts and Aboriginal Affairs, it is wonderful to see support from the private sector enabling initiatives that provide a platform for the community to celebrate, share stories and discuss issues that matter.”
Key diversity and inclusion initiatives will continue including the Opera House float in next year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, and a series of talks and workshops for EnergyAustralia and Opera House staff focusing on women in leadership and supporting the LGBTIQ networks of both organisations.
