
Healthy communities that are connected, vibrant and thriving are good for Sydney and NSW. We are focused on working with our local communities to help build a sustainable future. We have a long history of supporting our local community by partnering with a range of events, clubs, organisations and programs, particularly those which focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle and the environment.
Working with councils
We work with local councils on initiatives that promote a healthy lifestyle for the benefit of local residents around the airport and environmental protection.
In 2018, Bayside Council and Sydney Airport established the Community and Environment Projects Reserve Fund, which will fund a variety of community and environmentally focused projects over the next 10 years.
An upgrade to Botany Aquatic Centre is the first major project to benefit from the partnership. The integrated family and water play area, with an aviation theme, will include a water slide and a splash pad, for all ages and abilities.
Raise Foundation
Sydney Airport partners with Raise Foundation to mentor young people in the local community.
The program focuses on empowering local youth through the power of conversation and aligns closely with the genuine, positive impact the airport aspires to have in the local community.
Gujaga Foundation
Our partnership with the Gujaga Foundation began in 2018 when the airport was exploring options for promoting local Indigenous history and culture for our centenary. The relationship has since grown to incorporate guidance on our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and engaging the local Aboriginal community.
In 2019, the airport celebrated 100 years with the launch of SYDStories, a platform that tells the story of the airport from before European settlement to present day. A site rich with historical significance, SYDStories highlights the stories and Indigenous cultural heritage of Gamay (local Aboriginal word for the Botany Bay area).
The airport’s centenary celebrations culminated with a gala dinner for 500 guests on the airfield. The event began with a performance from the Gamay Dancers that included ‘Buriburi’, which represents a major spirit ancestor (totem) the humpback whale and the ‘Yarraman’ dance, which explained the introduction of horses to Sydney. Noeleen Timbery from the La Perouse Aboriginal community conducted the Welcome to Country to begin the formal part of the evening.
The Gujaga Foundation continues to work closely with the RAP Working Group members to build the Aboriginal cultural capacity of staff as we continue to build our connection within the local La Perouse Aboriginal community.
Rotary Australia
Sydney Airport and Rotary Australia have forged a strong relationship through various fundraising initiatives at the airport. Botany, Marrickville and Rockdale Rotary clubs collect donations from 15 collection bins across our terminals to directly fund local and international community organisations and causes.