As the country gears up for the forthcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, Novocastrians will have the chance to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders this weekend.
City of Newcastle, in collaboration with the Gurakai Aboriginal Advisory Committee, is holding a free community barbecue at Gregson Park, Hamilton from 11am on Sunday 26 February.
Representatives from the national From The Heart campaign will answer questions from the community about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the referendum process, and the proposed amendment to the Australian Constitution.
The proposed referendum is slated for the second half of 2023, and will ask Australians if they support a constitutionally recognised body giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people input on laws and policies that directly affect them.
“All around the country, supporters of constitutional recognition are sparking thousands of conversations in this week of action with friends, families and neighbours,” From the Heart director Dean Parkin said.
“It’s a chance to explain how a ‘yes’ vote at this year’s referendum will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in the laws and policies that directly impact their lives, and to deliver practical change.
“Australia has a huge opportunity to change the dial in our communities and see genuine, practical change. Seeking advice from people in Indigenous communities leads to better outcomes – because the people on the ground know their issues best.”
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, who will join the line-up of speakers, added that she was proud to be part of a government that is putting such an important question to the Australian people.
“This referendum is about two things: constitutional recognition and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a say on the policies and laws that affect them,” she said,
“The Voice is an important first step in delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full: Voice, Treaty, Truth.”
The Newcastle BBQ for the Voice is on at Gregson Park, Hamilton on Sunday 26 February from 11am.