On Friday 11 September, KARI’s Cultural Unit welcomed 45 QANTAS staff to Sydney Olympic Park for a Cultural Immersion Day as part of QANTAS’ Gather, Connect, Unite staff initiatives.
The day provided participants with an opportunity to connect, learn and engage with culture through a range of hands-on activities led by the KARI Cultural Unit.
Staff from across QANTAS, including inflight crew, tarmac and logistics teams, as well as a pilot, participated in an artefact talk and demonstration, Cultural Connection and Mental Health activity, spear and boomerang throwing, fire sticks and art.
Beyond the cultural activities, the day created an important opportunity for staff to connect outside of their usual workplace environment. For some participants, it was the first time they had met their colleagues face-to-face. The experience also brought together members of the First Nations Engagement Team with Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff in a safe and supportive space.
Feedback from the day was incredibly positive, with one participant sharing:
“Thank you so much & honestly it’s been fantastic working with you Mob!!”
Following the success of an earlier Cultural Immersion experience, this marked the second immersion KARI has delivered for QANTAS in 2026, continuing a growing relationship that we hope to build on into 2027.
Cultural Immersion experiences provide organisations with an opportunity to step outside the everyday workplace, strengthen connections between staff and engage with Aboriginal culture through shared, practical learning experiences.
Whether you’re looking to build cultural understanding within your team, create meaningful opportunities for staff connection or introduce your workplace to new cultural experiences, KARI’s Cultural Unit can work with your organisation to create a Cultural Immersion experience.
To find out more about Cultural Immersion opportunities with KARI email culture@kari.org.au
