Social Impact Activities to Consider for Your Sydney Corporate & Incentive Program

OzHarvest is a food rescue charity that operates a number of initiatives that corporate events and incentive planners can support. Assisting 411 charities across Sydney, OzHarvest’s fleet delivers more than 1 million meals to people in need thanks to more than 1000 food donors. When you book an event venue, check to see if they are sending their food waste to OzHarvest. Groups of up to 70 can participate in OzHarvest Cooking for a Cause initiative. This team build activity teaches participants about zero waste practices while they work together in a commercial kitchen to cook delicious meals that are then delivered to vulnerable communities. After the group has cooked and packed the meals for delivery to charities, they also enjoy the meals they have created.  Ozharvest.org 

When you host a gala event at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), consider the edible centrepieces initiative. Part of their community focussed Legacy program, Edible Centrepieces encourages clients to swap floral arrangements with decorative centrepieces made from seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs displayed in recycled vases. Not only do they look incredible and create a discussion point for your guests, but they are also sourced from the centre’s network of suppliers. After the event the centrepieces are reproduced as meals that are donated to local charity, the Matthew Talbot Centre. ICCsydney.com.au 

Create a team building activity that engages delegates to work together with purpose while giving back to a community program. Team Building with Purpose has partnered with leading charities which benefit from the activities your delegates undertake. Qualified facilitators deliver fast paced, highly interactive and transformative sessions delivered with fun, enjoyment and purpose that creates a sense of volunteerism. The end result is a positive impact on those in need through a charity. Choose from a range of experiences that support charities working tirelessly in environment sustainability, inclusion, farmers impacted by floods, homelessness, childhood cancers, life-saving on Sydney’s beaches and more. Teambuildingwithpurpose.com.au 

Take a cruise on Sydney Harbour with Tribal Warrior. Not only will you be immersed in the rich history and stories of life on the world's deepest natural harbour before colonisation but you also support this Aboriginal owned business in their core work as an Aboriginal mentoring organisation, helping to guide and empower young Aboriginal people and their families in the Sydney community. Explore Sydney Harbour on a private charter of the Mari Nawi (Big Canoe) through the eyes of its first owners. This guided cultural cruise uncovers Sydney’s rich Aboriginal heritage as groups learn about the multiple First Nations groups that call the land and water on and around the harbour home – the Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal peoples. Learn the Aboriginal names for Sydney’s landmarks and their meaning to traditional custodians. Uncover the stories of life around Sydney Harbour before colonisation, and practices of those who lived on the land for thousands of years. Tribalwarrior.org 

Looking for a dining experience that gives back to those in need in the community? Consider Song Kitchen, in Sydney’s Wentworth Street, housed in the YWCA building. This profit for purpose restaurant offers a range of stylish dining spaces for small groups of 10 at a chef’s table to 80 guests seated for dinner. On the seasonal menu, fresh Mediterranean fare is prepared from local produce accommodating all tastes and dietary needs. Here, 100 per cent of the profits go towards domestic violence support, women’s refuges, mentoring for young women and financial literacy projects. The expansive wine list favours Australian wines, many from female growers of estate owners. Song Kitchen can also be booked for cocktail events, with capacity for 160 people standing. Song Kitchen 

Saxton Speakers offers access to hundreds of thought leaders and many of Australia’s innovators in culture, sustainability and social enterprise. Kim McDonald, CEO of Thankful, can speak to why doing good is good for business. An internationally recognised thought leader whose work has led to collaboration with UN projects, Kim can speak to her experience in influencing action in areas such as food waste and food security, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights and violence against women, and more. Kim is one of many Australians who can provide an insightful keynote speech to your event. Saxton.com.au 

If you want to acknowledge your time in Sydney by supporting local wildlife, consider a donation to the Taronga Conservation Society Australia for the Wild. The not for profit foundation behind Taronga Zoo offers several programs to which you could offer a one off donation. There are programs to support koalas, prevent illegal wildlife trade, breed threatened species and to bring the first state of the art Specialist Teaching Veterinary Hospitals to the zoo in Sydney and Dubbo, an outcome of Taronga’s Wild Futures Project. Taronga's Wild Futures project aims to future-proof Australia's wildlife through modern fit for purpose facilities. Taronga.org.au 

If you plan to include a day at the cricket in your incentive program, consider the Sydney Pink Test. Each January, The McGrath Foundation turns the Sydney Cricket Ground into a sea of pink seats on day three of the Sydney Pink Test. This event honours Jane McGrath, the wife of cricketer Glen McGrath, who died as a result of breast cancer in 2008 while also raising money for the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse initiative. Founded in 2005 when Jane was diagnosed with the illness, The McGrath Foundation is a breast cancer support and education charity that raises money to place McGrath Breast Care nurses in Australian communities, mostly rural and regional communities to support cancer patients in a service at no cost to the patient. The Sydney Pink Test is an iconic day of cricket delivered by the partnership between Cricket Australia’s Cricket Care program and McGrath Foundation partnership. Support the event when you book a premium experience for your group for the Australia v Pakistan Test.  Dates: Sydney Cricket Ground each January Pinktest.com.au