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First Nations

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. We continue the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has a long history as a place of gathering, feasting, singing, dancing and storytelling for the local Gadigal people.

Upcoming events and experiences

Badu Gili: Healing Spirit

13 Dec 2024 – 12 Dec 2025

Watch the sails illuminate nightly with Badu Gili: Healing Spirit, a new projection celebrating the work and stories of local and international First Nations artists.

  • Experiences

Discover our programming

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Our responsibility

Reconciliation Action Plan

For thousands of years, Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands, has been a place of gathering and belonging. The Gadigal would meet on the tidal island, eat and share stories. The Opera House carries on this legacy by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Peoples.

Men in sand pit performing indigenous dance in the homeground of Sydney opera house.

Work experience

The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing hands-on experiences to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Support

The Opera House is committed to providing educational, professional development and cultural opportunities for First Nations communities.

Stream, read & listen

Michael Nelson Jagamara

For those fortunate enough to meet him, he embodied the qualities of the quintessential bush gentleman. Dressed in his jacket and distinctive Akubra hat, he exuded a dignified presence, often sharing humorous anecdotes and stories. Whether in Papunya or New York, Alice Springs or Brisbane, Sydney or Vienna, Jagamara often struck up conversations with new friends and passers-by alike, introducing himself with a warm smile and a handshake, announcing, “Hello, I'm a famous artist!”

Jagamara photographed in black and white sitting on carpeted steps in front of the mural 'Possum Dreaming'.

Deadly Voices from the House

A podcast that takes intimate interviews with First Nations artists and leaders to the world. Acclaimed presenter, journalist, actor, producer and arts guru Rhoda Roberts AO presents Deadly Voices from the House, recorded live from Sydney Opera House. Featuring a diverse selection of guest appearances from prominent First Nations leaders from the music, arts and culture sector. Deadly Voices from the House provides an important platform to discuss critical issues and explore the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary culture.

  • Podcast
  • Talks and Ideas

Whispers: Megan Cope

On Tubowgule, now called Bennelong Point, Quandamooka artist Megan Cope introduces Whispers, a melding of First Nations history and environmental consciousness. In this artwork, commissioned for our 50th anniversary, more than 85,000 oyster shells are positioned across the Sydney Opera House precinct. The artist evokes the ancestral midden sites that were used on this site for Aboriginal celebrations and gatherings for thousands of years.

  • On-demand
Megan Cope holding a piece of paper in front of the Opera House.