Rallies are being held across Australia today with thousands coming together in support of the Yes vote for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Yes23 is hosting ‘Come Together for Yes Day’, which is a community events blitz in more than 25 cities across the country, including eight in Queensland cities.
More than 10,000 Australians have already RSVP’d for these family-friendly community events that will feature stalls, information sessions, sports clinics for children, music performances, sausage sizzles, picnics, dancers and speeches.
Jade Appo-Ritchie from Yes23 has told myGC the success of the yes vote is shifting the conversation from the “Canberra bubble” out into backyards.
“There’s going to be a big show of support for the yes campaign and that what this is all about is constitutional recognition for First Nations people through a Voice to Parliament,” Ms Appo-Ritchie says.
“We’ve got over 10,000 volunteers who are active and spreading the right information about this upcoming referendum. Very simply, this is the time where we need to make some changes so that First Nations people are recognized in the constitution, and that’s going to bring dignity to this country,
“That’s going to go a long way in bringing us together and reshaping the national identity.”
Queensland event locations include: Barcaldine, Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley, Sunshine Coast and Wynnum.
Ms Appo-Ritchie has stressed the importance of seeking information to make an informed decision prior to the referendum vote.
“In terms of having a voice on things that matter to us, we’re still seeing huge disparity around education, health outcomes, housing standards so they’re the sort of things that we want to be providing advice on, things that really affect indigenous people across the nation,”
“So very, very important referendum. I encourage everyone to get along to the event, have a look at the website and educate yourself about what this is,”
“This is going to be the most important decision we, as Australians are facing this year and it’s a once in generations opportunity, in fact. So go and get the information and cut through the noise.”
For more information visit Yes23 here.
