Christopher Tooher, Executive Director of Sydney Festival, expressed that The Star should be perceived as more than its involvement in the gambling industry. "The Star is very much by making this investment showing it's much more than gambling," he expressed.

Christopher Tooher continues that while sensitivities arised, the alignment between the Festival and The Star casino complex evolved around outdoor facilities, venues, restaurants, and accommodations. "I think there could be a sensitivity around that and we're not denying that but I think when people think it through that it's actually a good alignment," he added. Tooher kept on, "It's actually showing that this institution is interested in much more than than and about giving back to Sydney by supporting a major cultural event."

Dr. Ross Clifford, Reverend and President of the NSW Council of Churches, expresses that it may give the wrong impression to the families who goes to support the Festival. Rev. Clifford, reiterated and continued to point out that gambling is still its primary business (referring to The Star casino complex.)

"We are saying as a community we want to take the risk and danger of gambling seriously but at the same time we're allowing it to be advertised in a family, children-like atmosphere it's just a wrong message, it's inappropriate," Rev. Clifford said

There has been no official statement of feedback received, from The NSW Arts and Gaming minister George Souris et al.

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