BridgeClimb Statement on January 26

BridgeClimb acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the continuing connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have had to land, culture, knowledge, and language for over 65,000 years.

Over the years, the Sydney Harbour Bridge has been a symbol of hope for reconciliation. In a monumental display of support for reconciliation in 2000, 250,000 Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the Peoples Walk for Reconciliation. More recently in 2022, the Aboriginal Flag became a permanent feature flying on top of the Bridge alongside the Australian flag.

At BridgeClimb, we are in support of both reconciliation and a day where we can all come together to celebrate being a part of this amazing country. With that in mind, it is important to understand and reflect on the fact that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, January 26 marks the beginning of a long-lasting devastating impact on their communities and cultures. 

As we work toward reconciliation, we acknowledge that the harsh practices which were inflicted upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has lead to loss of life, displacement, separation of families and segregation. The impact of this continues today with the loss of culture and language, significant family and community dislocation, negative impacts on health and wellbeing and the ongoing impacts of systemic racism and discrimination.

At BridgeClimb we are committed to standing with and for our First Nations peoples to advocate for reconciliation. We continue to develop and implement plans in line with our Reconciliation Action Plan, and we use our voice to call for all Australians to reflect on what it means to be Australian, and how we can collectively build a future that is safe, equal, and respectful for all people in Australia. 

Today, and every day, we stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.