Our new partnership celebrating 50 years of the Sydney Opera House

We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership today that renews the historic connection between The Lott by NSW Lotteries and the Sydney Opera House as the Australian landmark celebrates its 50^th year anniversary.

The Opera House Lottery ran from 1957 to 1986 and sold more than 86 million tickets across 496 draws, raising $102 million which helped fund most of the Opera House’s construction.

“In November 1957, when Australians bought tickets into the very first Opera House Lottery, I wonder if they had any inkling of the incredible masterpiece and enduring legacy they were helping to create,” our CEO Sue van der Merwe said. 

“It’s impossible to imagine Australia without the Sydney Opera House. It’s Australia’s House – where the dream of an international icon and a place for everyone to connect and share meaningful experiences became a reality.

The partnership between The Lott by NSW Lotteries and Sydney Opera House will help deliver new programs and experiences for a range of audiences and communities.

“More than 50 years later, it’s wonderful to be reconnecting with the lotteries to highlight our shared connection and to create new ways for everyone in the community to experience the magic of the Sydney Opera House,” its CEO Louise Herron said.

Pictured (L-R) is our Head of ESG Hans de Koning, Sydney Opera House Partnerships Manager Stephanie King, and our Partnerships Manager Liz McPherson.