Sydney Dance Company is situated on the lands and over the waters of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters, and thank them for protecting this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.
Cover: Trae Allan is a Sydney Dance Company
Pre-Professional Year 2018 alumni and is currently a freelance creative artist. Trae is a Gomeroi and Bundjalung Goori man.
Photo: Pedro Greig
Design by Nani Creative nani.com.au
Nani is an Aboriginal-led creative agency bridging the gap between brands and how they engage with culture and creativity. They partner with brands who recognise that Aboriginal insight is a meaningful component in shaping powerful stories.
Beyond the work, Nani Creative is powered by what’s to come. More yarns, self-determination, and authenticity, and more great work. Finding a future where an Aboriginal-led agency isn’t the exception but the norm.
Reign by Daniel Riley New Breed 2015
Daniel is a Wiradjuri man from Western NSW and Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre. Dancer: Janessa Dufty
Photo: Pedro Greig
Statement from CEO Reconciliation Australia
Reconciliation Australia commends Sydney Dance Company on the formal endorsement of its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Commencing an Innovate RAP is a crucial and rewarding period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey. It is a time to build strong foundations and relationships, ensuring sustainable, thoughtful, and impactful RAP outcomes into the future.
Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement.
This Innovate RAP is both an opportunity and an invitation for Sydney Dance Company to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff and stakeholders. By investigating and understanding the integral role it plays across its sphere of influence, Sydney Dance Company will create dynamic reconciliation outcomes, supported by and aligned with its business objectives.
An Innovate RAP is the time to strengthen and develop the connections that form the lifeblood of all RAP commitments. The RAP program’s framework of relationships, respect and opportunities emphasises not only the importance of fostering consultation and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, but also empowering and enabling staff to contribute to this process, as well.
With close to 3 million people now either working or studying in an organisation with a RAP, the program’s potential for impact is greater than ever. Sydney Dance Company is part of a strong network of more than 2,500 corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and intention, and transformed it into action.
Implementing an Innovate RAP signals Sydney Dance Company’s readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective outcomes.
Getting these steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.
Congratulations Sydney Dance Company on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.
Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia
Executive Director statement
It is with pleasure and respect that we present Sydney Dance Company’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Although our history of reconciliation is not new, it is time for our company to reflect our commitment to elevate First Nations peoples’ voices with a formal approach that will enable us to continue creating new opportunities to acknowledge, celebrate and engage with the traditional owners of these lands.
Having an Innovate RAP presents a meaningful opportunity to share our journey of reconciliation with our staff, audiences, donors and stakeholders. It allows us to invite them on our journey.
For us, walking the journey of reconciliation is not only about having a RAP. Throughout its history, Sydney Dance Company has played an increasing role in offering artistic opportunities for developing and existing First Nations artists.
Learning from the rich culture and storytelling traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is at the heart of our vision for reconciliation.
Our vision is to create an organisation that elevates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, stories, and perspectives. We will do this by promoting cultural diversity, inclusion and empowerment through our management, artistic offerings, collaborations, training and community engagements.
I want to thank the RAP Working Group and our RAP Champions for their commitment and hard work in making this Innovate RAP come to life. Their work has already taken us a step forward in our journey of reconciliation.
I am looking forward to what is coming ahead. We have a solid action plan and full commitment across our organisation to make it happen. We are ready to learn, drive change and embrace the opportunity to continue making progress on Australia’s path to reconciliation.
Lou Oppenheim Executive Director
Our vision for reconciliation
Our vision for reconciliation is to create an organisation that elevates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, stories and perspectives while promoting cultural diversity, inclusion and empowerment within our management, artistic offerings, collaborations, training and community engagements.
We will achieve this through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation throughout the company while working closely with First Nations community consultants both in Sydney and across Australia, building the company’s understanding of First Nations culture.
We are proud to be contributing to reconciliation by:
Building respectful, reciprocal relationships with First Nations peoples and organisations.
Acknowledging, celebrating and learning from the rich tradition of storytelling, artistry and caring for Country by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, past and present.
Providing training and artistic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Educating our broader community about First Nations cultures, histories and achievements, eliminating racism and discrimination, supporting equal rights and equal respect for all our community.
Our business
Contemporary dance deals with the now, the expanded present, what is current; Sydney Dance Company must remain of the moment and reflect our times.
The core goal of our artistic vision is to continue to build a world-class contemporary dance company and organisation, through developing audiences, dancers and choreography. Sydney Dance Company aims to create dance that exceeds expectations, pushes boundaries and lifts the bar on excellence every time it sets foot on stage.
Sydney Dance Company is about being bold, innovative and determined. Resilience and artistic risk-taking have been at the heart of this Company for decades and these capabilities continue to stand us in good stead.
Sydney Dance Company provided work for 210 people in 2023, of whom 76% were artists or creatives. Led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela and Executive Director Lou Oppenheim, we have a full-time ensemble of 17 dancers, a Rehearsal Director and Rehearsal Associate and four ongoing technical positions. We also have a broader range of contracted and casual professionals delivering our extensive program of classes, training, education activities. These are supported by our programming, venue hire, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, marketing, communications, ticketing and customer service staff. In 2023, we employed five Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, including creatives and teaching staff.
Through our creative and training programs, we connect with audiences and communities across our vast country each year, visiting remote, regional and urban cities and sharing the transformative power of dance. Additionally, we travel internationally annually, touring multiple works at a time.
We have developed our sphere of influence through our extensive national and global reach, as well as maintaining strong links to our home studios on Gadigal Country of the Eora Nation (Walsh Bay, Sydney). The breadth of connections includes primary and high schools, audience members, dance class participants, full time students, theatres and dance schools, local state and federal government bodies, independent artists and designers, casual teaching and production staff, and private and corporate supporters.
Gubba by Beau Dean Riley Smith New Breed 2023 Beau is a Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay man from Dubbo. Dancers: Dean Elliott,Riley Fitzgerald and Morgan Hurrell.
Photo: Pedro Greig
Our RAP
We will continue to learn from the rich culture and storytelling traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as we express our deep appreciation for those who came before us. Embracing and honouring their heritage is an essential step towards achieving reconciliation in Australia. We will do this by:
Celebrating our First Nations histories and everything they have achieved being the world’s oldest living culture.
Playing an active role in reconciliation. We believe it is an important and necessary step to build a strong awareness and acknowledge the truths of colonisation, building a path to move forward with relationships built on respect and understanding.
Contributing to and advocating for the healing of past actions in Australia’s history and to affirm that there is still work to be done.
T hrough reconciliation, we have the chance to know and understand the important lessons and knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Elders have to share with us. It gives the company an opportunity to share our journey of reconciliation with our staff, clients, donors and stakeholders.
To date, we have played an active role in providing artistic opportunities for developing and existing First Nations artists. Our annual New Breed season at Carriageworks, made possible by the Balnaves Foundation, provides emerging choreographers a platform to showcase their rich diversity of choreographic ideas. Since its inception in 2013, we are proud to say we have employed eight First Nations artists including Daniel Riley (Wiradjuri), Jasmin Sheppard (Tagalaka), Beau Dean Riley Smith (Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay), Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri), Brendon Boney (Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi), Naretha Williams (Wiradjuri), Joel Bray (Wiradjuri) and Brenda Gifford (Yuin).
On a yearly basis, we demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation by prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for full fee-paying scholarships to attend Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year Advanced Diploma training program. Within this full-time program, we celebrate and engage with many guest movement artists, facilitators, choreographers and mentors, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists Vicki van Hout (Wiradjuri), Daniel Riley (Wiradjuri), Jasmin Sheppard (Tagalaka), Beau Dean Riley Smith (Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay), Ian RT Colless (Dharabuladh), Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka Kombumerri), Joel Bray (Wiradjuri), Brenda Gifford (Yuin), Casey Natty (Kamilaroi), Ella Havelka (Wiradjuri) and Artistic Director, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Frances Rings (Wirangu and Mirning) and Bangarra Dance Theatre Company dancers Lillian Banks (Yawuru), Courney Radford (Noongar), Maddison Paluch (Darug) and Daniel Mateo (Wiradjuri).
Additionally, we have fostered collaborations with NAISDA Dance College, Australia’s premier Indigenous training college, through cultural exchanges and reciprocal excursions, enhancing our commitment to cultural learning and storytelling.
We celebrate our relationship with Bangarra Dance Theatre, where training and support have been offered by Sydney Dance Company to Bangarra’s Russell Page Graduate Program scholarship recipients Eden Porter (Gomeroi), Maddison Paluch (Wiradjuri) and Nicholas Currie-Inns (Munaldjali and Bundjalung).
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance companies and organisations, actively contributing to the journey of reconciliation in Australia.
When deciding on which RAP would be Sydney Dance Company’s first RAP, we reviewed the suitability and prerequisites of both the Reflect and Innovate RAPs. With strong support and willingness across the organisation, genuine commitment and enthusiasm from Board and Senior Leadership and a RAP Working Group which includes a number of members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we felt ready to start with an Innovate RAP.
Drawing on existing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and initiatives that have been in place within the organisation for several years, we are ready to embed our commitment to reconciliation through structured policies and strategies.
With a strong desire and commitment to develop further opportunities for reconciliation, below are the ways our organisation is presently supporting and advocating for reconciliation.
Providing scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students annually in our Pre-Professional Year program.
Student excursions to National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) for cultural learning.
Connection to Bangarra Dance Theatre through shared Company dancer classes and community and social activities.
Welcome to Country provided by Elders and representatives from The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council before all opening nights.
Acknowledgement of Country at all performances, meetings and school workshops and matinees.
Uluru Statement from the Heart displayed throughout our public spaces.
Celebrate NAIDOC Week through staff cultural activities and research.
Engage Supply Nation Certified organisations.
Cultural Learning sessions provided to all staff.
Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island creatives including musicians and choreographers to work with ensemble.
Provide artistic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
RAP Champions
Alan Watt (Director, Philanthropy & Partnerships) and Polly Brett (Director of Training and Education). Additionally, we have the full support of our Board and staff to support and promote our Innovate RAP.
RAP Working Group
Board Member Larissa Behrendt (Euahleyai and Gamillaroi woman), company dancer Ryan Pearson (Biripi and Worimi descent on his mother’s side and Minang, Goreng and Balardung on his father’s side) Polly Brett, Linda Gamblin, Alan Watt, Dominic Chang (Diploma in Aboriginal Studies for Professional Practice), Simon Turner and Lachlan Bell.
Relationships
Building strong relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians is fundamental to Sydney Dance Company’s success in playing a meaningful role in contemporary society as we connect, engage and inspire audiences and students alike. Sydney Dance Company values and encourages diversity and inclusivity, creating a safe space that celebrates similarities and differences.
1. Establish and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
2. Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW)
• Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations to develop guiding principles for future engagement. November 2024
• Develop and implement an engagement plan to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
• Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation materials to our staff.
• RAP Working Group members to participate in an external NRW event.
3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence
2024
May 2024 May 2025
27 May - 3 June 2024, 2025
Manager Encourage and support staff and senior leaders to participate in at least one external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.
27 May - 3 June 2024, 2025
of Training and Education
• Organise at least one NRW event each year. May 2024 May 2025 Philanthropy Manager
• Register all our NRW events on Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website.
April 2025 Philanthropy Manager
• Develop and implement a staff engagement strategy to raise awareness of reconciliation across our workforce. September 2024
• Communicate our commitment to reconciliation publicly. August 2024 Director of Marketing
• Explore opportunities to positively influence our external stakeholders to drive reconciliation outcomes.
• Collaborate with RAP organisations and other like-minded organisations to develop innovative approaches to advance reconciliation.
• Acknowledge Sydney Dance Company’s support for The Uluru Statement from the Heart and provide all staff with relevant information and updates.
2025
April 2025 Executive Director
April 2024 Executive Director
4. Promote positive race relations through antidiscrimination strategies
5. Engage the broader First Nation’s community through artistic collaboration and sharing of skills
• Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing anti-discrimination provisions and future needs.
• Develop, implement and communicate an anti-discrimination policy for our organisation.
• Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors to consult on our anti-discrimination policy.
Educate senior leaders on the effects of racism.
• Identify opportunities for Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre and NAISDA staff and students to connect, learn and engage in First Nations culture, history and skills.
Provide complimentary education workshops to public schools with high percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people while on national tour.
October 2024
October 2024
September 2024
April 2025 Director of Training and Education
April 2024 Director of Training and Education
June, July 2024 June, July 2025 Director of Training and Education
Mother’s Cry by Katina Olsen New Breed 2018 Katina is a proud Wakka Wakka and Kombumerri choreographer.
Dancer: Janessa Dufty
Photo: Pedro Greig
Respect
Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures requires acknowledging the challenging history of Australia, including colonisation, dispossession and marginalisation experienced by their people and communities. Sydney Dance Company recognises the profound significance of this history and is committed to contributing to reconciliation efforts. Through all endeavours, we strive to grow understanding, empathy, social justice and respect.
As a Company, we are committed to fostering respect and equality for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and will actively address biases and stereotypes by questioning and challenging prejudices that undermine these values. Through this understanding we will foster mutual respect and strengthen our connections, celebrating a diverse community.
6. Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning
• Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation.
• Consult local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisors to inform our cultural learning strategy.
• Develop, implement and communicate a cultural learning strategy document for our staff.
• Provide opportunities for RAP Working Group members, HR managers and other key leadership staff to participate in formal and structured cultural learning.
• Work with Walsh Bay Arts Precinct arts organisations to initiate an ongoing series of events to encourage cultural learning (one event per quarter).
September 2024 Director of Training and Education
November 2024 Director of Training and Education
February 2025 Director of Training and Education
April 2025 Director of Training and Education
June 2025 Executive Director
7. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols
• Increase staff understanding of the purpose and significance behind cultural protocols, including Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country protocols.
Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document, including protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.
• Invite a local Traditional Owner or Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country or other appropriate cultural protocol at significant events each year.
• Include an Acknowledgement of Country or other appropriate protocols at the commencement of important meetings.
October 2025 Director of Training and Education
September 2025 Director of Training and Education
April 2024 Producer
April 2024 Director of Training and Education
8. Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week
• RAP Working Group to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event.
• Review HR policies and procedures to remove barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week.
Promote and encourage participation in external NAIDOC events to all staff.
• Consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist colleagues to offer a Cultural sharing session for our school holiday participants during NAIDOC week.
July 2024, July 2025 Philanthropy Manager
April 2024 Chief Financial Officer
7-14 June 2024 June 2025 Philanthropy Manager
7-14 June 2024 Director of Training and Education
Opportunities
Sydney Dance Company is committed to providing artistic, educational, participation, employment and procurement opportunities to engage, collaborate and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We acknowledge that we need to work mindfully and purposefully to build pathways to both employment and participation; to be genuinely accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We aim to build relationships with organisations and individuals who can help us improve our processes and policies to encourage employment interest. We want to develop strategies to encourage participation in our public dance class program and other public activities. Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represented in our staff and wider community is our way forward to a reconciled Australia.
9. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development
• Build an understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing to inform future employment and professional development opportunities.
• Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on our recruitment, retention and professional development strategy.
Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development strategy.
• Advertise job vacancies to effectively reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.
• Investigate Career Trackers membership to evaluate providing an internship opportunity for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person.
• Provide a traineeship opportunity for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person.
• Communicate annually to training organisations, a production traineeship for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person for a Sydney Dance Company production.
Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to remove barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our workplace.
January 2025 Director of Marketing
January 2025 Director of Marketing
April 2025 Director of Marketing
July 2025 Director of Marketing
November 2024 Director of Marketing
August 2024 Technical Director
November 2024 Technical Director
October 2024 Chief Financial Officer
10. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes
11. Increase First Nations performance attendance, Pre-Professional Year (PPY) enrolment, and dance class attendance
Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island procurement strategy.
• Develop and communicate opportunities for procurement of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to staff.
• Review and update procurement practices to remove barriers to procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Investigate Supply Nation membership.
• Develop commercial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
• Build and expand on relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to communicate the Sydney Dance Company offerings.
• Provide an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person full scholarship to train with Pre-Professional Year, Sydney Dance Company’s Diploma and Advanced Diploma course annually.
November 2024 Director Training and Education
March 2025 Director Training and Education
July 2025 Director Training and Education
November 2024 Director Training and Education
November 2024 Director Training and Education
April 2024, February 2025 Director Training and Education
April 2024, January 2025 Director Training and Education
Governance
Sydney Dance Company is committed to reconciliation. At all levels of our organisation, from Board and Senior Leadership Team to the casual artists and teachers we engage, we are dedicated to the process of reconciliation. Through effective governance and appropriate evaluation of our actions, we will continue on this journey.
12. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP
13. Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments
• Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the RWG.
14. Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally
15. Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP
April 2024 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
• Establish and apply Terms of Reference for the RWG. September 2024 Philanthropy Manager
• Meet at least four times per year to drive and monitor RAP implementation.
April, July, September, December 2024
April, July, September, December 2025 Philanthropy Manager
• Define resource needs for RAP implementation. September 2024 Philanthropy Manager
Engage Senior Leadership Team and other staff in the delivery of RAP commitments.
• Define and maintain appropriate systems to track, measure and report on RAP commitments.
• Appoint and maintain an internal RAP Champion from Senior Management.
• Contact Reconciliation Australia to verify that our primary and secondary contact details are up to date, to ensure we do not miss out on important RAP correspondence.
• Contact Reconciliation Australia to request our unique link, to access the online RAP Impact Survey.
• Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact Survey to Reconciliation Australia.
August 2024 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
May 2024 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
April 2024 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
June 2024 June 2025 Philanthropy Manager
August 2024 August 2025 Philanthropy Manager
September 2024 September 2025 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
• Report RAP progress to all staff and senior leaders quarterly. May, September, November 2024
February, May, September, November 2025 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships Publicly report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings, annually.
• Investigate participating in Reconciliation Australia’s biennial Workplace RAP Barometer.
• Submit a traffic light report to Reconciliation Australia at the conclusion of this RAP.
• Register via Reconciliation Australia’s website to begin developing our next RAP.
September 2024 and 2025 Director of Marketing
May 2024 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
November 2025 Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
November 2025 Philanthropy Manager
Paluch is a Sydney Dance Company
Pre-Professional Year 2020 alumni and currently a company
since 2021.
with
Maddison
dancer
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Maddison is a Wiradjuri woman born and raised on Darug Country. Photo: Wendell Teodoro
Given Unto Thee by Jasmin Lee Sheppard New Breed 2021
Jasmin is a Tagalaka Aboriginal woman with Irish, Chinese and Hungarian ancestry. Dancers: Liam Green and Chloe Young.
