29 August 2023
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia (Voyages) has raised a record $90,000 for the Anangu Communities Foundation at its second annual Sydney fundraiser, held last week at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the Foundation.
The funds raised represented a staggering 50% increase on last year's event, driven by silent and live auction prizes generously donated by companies such as Accor, Penfolds, Lion, Baillie Lodges, Jetstar, Breville, Journey Beyond, Hamilton Island, and De Bortoli.
Corporate box tickets to Taylor Swift's Sydney concert, an extensive range of stunning Indigenous artwork from the Gallery of Central Australia at Uluru, as well as a stay at Southern Ocean Lodge, set to re-open this year following devastating bushfires on Kangaroo Island - were the standout items for the night and drew competitive bidding.
"We are so proud of the close connections we have with the Anangu - the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate at Ayers Rock Resort," said Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
"20 years ago, Voyages created the Anangu Communities Foundation to support our cultural tourism efforts and Indigenous training programs, with a special focus on education as the most powerful way to build community capacity. Thanks to the generous support of staff, guests and corporate partners, we've now raised over $3 million to help create a positive future for Anangu communities," he concluded.
150 guests attended the event which was opened with a warm Welcome to Country by Aunty Donna Ingram followed by a musical performance from vocalist, Blanche - the creative alias of John Grant, a self-produced First Nations musician (Wiradjuri).
A Q&A with Peter and Harry Wilson who live on the APY Lands and work closely with Voyages helped the audience to understand the importance of the Anangu Communities Foundation, first established in 2003.
The Foundation funds projects to support the Anangu communities of Central Australia, with a focus on building community capacity in the sectors of healthcare, education, and economic and social participation. Voyages covers all operational costs of the Foundation and match donations up to $200,000 AUD a year.
Recent projects include a new Anangu guided Mala Walk (developed in conjunction with Tourism Northern Territory), a science project which promotes mutual understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and a Virtual Reality Tjukurpa Stories Library.
For further information:
Jill Collins | [email protected] | 0417 654 474
