A Night of Connection, Creativity and Community
1st April 2026
On Gadigal Country at Sydney Swans HQ, surrounded by familiar faces and delicious food, the Sydney Alumni Dinner brought 25 Alumni together for an evening of connection and conversation.
The night began with canapes and drinks, giving everyone a chance to mingle and catch up. Jaleesa Levaci (Donovan), GO Scholarships Program Manager and proud Dhungutti and Gumbayngirr woman, then welcomed the group.
"Tonight is about you. These alumni events are designed for you to connect with one another, to build friendships, networks and community with people who share similar journeys, values and aspirations. You are each other’s future colleagues, collaborators, mentors and supporters. This space is yours."
With the welcome complete, Janine and Paul, proud Anaiwan people from Mirri Mirri, led the group through a cultural session. They set the stage for team activities that combined learning, creativity, and a bit of friendly competition. Teams played ‘One Truth, Two Lies’ and then worked together to create short performances on assigned topics.
Photo Gallery
The teams delivered a range of thoughtful and exciting results. One crafted a drawing to share the story of Windradyne and Pemulwuy, another led a trivia game on the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and a third had fun with a Freedom Rides quiz – Kahoot theme song included for authenticity, courtesy of Jared, GO Alum and Dharawal man.
The teams’ creativity didn’t stop there – one group even wrote a heartfelt poem about Barangaroo and Tarenorer.
“Two strong black women
Pioneers of their days
They were leaders, they were fighters
Protecting their old ways
Resistance and refusal
Using weapons old and new
Tarenorer and Barangaroo
Did not bid their culture adieu
Centuries have since passed
And their stories do still last”
After the activities, everyone came back together to enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Plate-it-Forward, rounding out a memorable evening of laughter, learning and community. It was incredible to see Alumni connecting so easily, and we even overheard plans for some to start a monthly catch-up – a perfect reminder of the impact these events have. We can’t wait until the next one!