First Nations
At the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House honours our First Nations by fostering a shared sense of belonging for all Australians, and we acknowledge the Gadigal, traditional custodians of Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following content may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
Celebrating the richness of the world’s oldest living cultures
Tubowgule, as the land on which the Opera House stands is known to its Traditional Custodians, the Gadigal, has long been a gathering place for storytelling, ceremony and culture. The Opera House continues this legacy today by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Peoples.
Welcome to Country
A Welcome To Country is a customary greeting that Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people extend to visitors, who in turn agree to respect respect traditional laws and culture.
What’s On
Click here to find out more about Sydney Opera House First Nations programming.
Deadly Voices
A selection of First Nations performances and events from the Sydney Opera House.
Career Development Opportunities
The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing hands-on experiences to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, which can lead to employment opportunities.
For further information about these career opportunities, please contact workexperience@sydneyoperahouse.com.
Work Experience Program
The best way for students to experience what we do is through our Work Experience Program. Through our partnership with the NSW Department of Education we run a program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are studying in years 9-12. The program is a week long and is offered several times throughout the year. During the week, students are introduced to different staff and departments across the organisation. The program is practical and participants spend time working in up to four different departments to gain first-hand work experience.
Internships
After completing our Work Experience Program, students can apply for a paid internship. These internships are currently offered in our Ticketing Sales department and we are always looking to expand the types of intern roles. The internship is based on a 90 hour contract as a Ticketing Sales Representative. The hours of work are designed to fit around the student’s study, and students develop skills in sales and customer service, operating ticketing software and basic computing. We have a growing alumni of interns, many of whom have gained ongoing employment at the Opera House and are now involved in facilitating Work Experience Program activities with students.
Other events
Each year the Opera House supplements these two programs with events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Our Careers Day program is one such event where participants get to meet a range of Opera House employees to hear about what they do and stories of their career pathways.
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be great and learn more about our culture at the Opera House.”
Courtney, Work Experience Program participant, FY17
A guide to Dance Rites
Your handbook for the song and dance of Australia's ancient cultures
Listen to Deadly Voices from the House - Podcast
A podcast that takes intimate interviews with First Nations artists and leaders to the world. Hosted by Rhoda Roberts AO.
Eternal history: The story of First Nations theatre at the Sydney Opera House
Liza-Mare Syron traces the history of First Nations theatre at the Sydney Opera House back to the buildings very first days.
The story of Badu Gili
Meet the Indigenous artists bringing First Nations cultures to the world.
An Asian, an Aboriginal and an Islander take on white Australia in Nakkiah Lui's new play
In the new satire from Nakkiah Lui, Michelle Lim Davidson disarms audiences with humour to check their own racism.
A letter from Rhoda Roberts to Dance Rites participants
Rhoda Roberts, Head of First Nations programming, welcomes participants and audiences to DANCE RITES 2020 from across Australia as we acknowledge the diverse ancestral lands, waterways and Sky country.
How the Sydney Olympics amplified First Nations voices on and off the track
Cathy Freeman’s win was a historic triumph, but it wasn't the only watershed moment at the Sydney Olympics. Hear from Rhoda Roberts, who played a critical role behind the scenes of the 2000 games.
Why NAIDOC matters
We ask some of our Opera House family – performers and artists who take centre stage during this week of celebration – to discuss this year's NAIDOC theme and to unpack why the week matters to them.
Letters to Cook | A podcast miniseries from Deadly Voices from the House
It's been 250 years since the Endeavour landed. What do First Nations peoples have to say?
Deborah Mailman on Rhoda Roberts' “remarkable” 16 years at the Sydney Opera House
Few people have had as much influence on what takes place in these hallowed halls as Rhoda Roberts. This month, she finishes her incredible stint at the Opera House. We spoke to actress and Trustee Deborah Mailman about Robert's everlasting impact.
Where the Knowledge Waters Meet
Where the Knowledge Waters Meet
Donate
The Opera House is committed to providing educational, professional development and cultural opportunities for First Nations communities. Whether through work experience, curated performances, such as the annual Dance Rites festival, or the daily lighting of the sails, the generous contributions of our visitors and friends allows us to create a positive impact in the lives of our communities.
Giving a gift today helps foster and celebrate a shared sense of belonging for all Australians. See how you can create change here.
Dance Rites 2018
Dance Rites 2018
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Opera House is committed to respecting, embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First People. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlines this commitment through a range of actions and initiatives that are being undertaken across all areas of the Opera House. These initiatives aim to safeguard the traditions of the world’s oldest living culture, and provide opportunities for Australia’s First People. Visit our Reconciliation Action Plan here.
If you’d like to learn more about Reconciliation Australia’s RAP program, you can do so here or access the Share Our Pride tool to help you start your cultural awareness journey.