The Bench acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land – Australia. The Bench acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Pay The Rent program is organised by First Nations and non-First Nations people working together, as the Pay The Rent Grassroots Collective. This Collective is based on the lands of the Kulin Nation in Victoria, Australia. While there is not a similar organisation in Gadigal Country, Sydney, The Bench acknowledge that all Australians live on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island land and that land was taken from First Nation peoples without consent, payment or treaty. The Bench acknowledges that non-Indigenous people have benefited and continue to benefit from policies and practices that have been part of the colonisation of this nation, particularly stolen land and wages. We all benefit from the occupation and use of this land. Whether we were born here or arrived here as migrants, we cannot avoid sharing responsibility for the perpetuation of this injustice.

In a step towards justice, truth, equality and liberation for First Nations people The Bench intends to pay the rent. We have nominated 3 First Nation’s focused organisations to whom we donate to each financial year. They are:

• Indigenous Literacy Foundation

• BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation

• Happy Boxes Project.
  
  Please click on the link to find out more about each organisation.

The Bench contribute a minimum of 1% of annual earnings directly to First Nation-owned groups, small businesses and organisations. We believe that contributing is an act of restorative justice, of recompense, of taking responsibility and acknowledging benefits accrued through occupying stolen land. We hope that as our business grows, so too will the amount we can donate to charitable funds. We are committed to an on-going process of learning, evolving and adapting. Whilst initially small, we hope our financial contributions will grow over time and perhaps encourage others to explore what’s possible within their own communities.

DEADLY PROGRAM
The Deadly Program is our Indigenous student pathway that supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to study at The Bench Sydney without having to pay course fees.

Through the Deadly Program you will have:

• the opportunity to learn how to make jewellery in a professional jewellery workshop

• access to new skills, techniques, equipment, industry discounts, network and professional development opportunities

• ongoing technical and personal support throughout the course

LOCAL COMMUNITY
The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed. As part of Joynton & 107 Projects, The Bench will provide subsidised courses to residents in the City of Sydney area. There are a limited number of subsidized places per course.
For further information please contact The Bench.

ACCESSIBILITY
Easily accessed by bus, train (Green Square Station), ride or walk.
The building has full wheelchair accessibility, ramp access from street and park entrances, internal lift for access to upper levels and a unisex accessible toilet on each level.

The Bench is a project in partnership with Joynton & 107 Projects.