Referendum Roadshow: Kimberley Communities Say YES
Referendum Roadshow: Kimberley Communities Say YES
KLC CEO Tyronne Garstone at the Halls Creek Referendum Roadshow event
In June, the KLC and Aarnja took the discussion about the Voice referendum to some of the most remote towns in Australia.
What we heard from these towns was an overwhelming desire for Australia to say YES.
Kimberley communities want Australians to vote Yes to enshrine and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the constitution.
Indigenous activist and filmmaker Rachel Perkins speaking on the Kimberley Referendum Roadshow panel in Fitzroy Crossing
Communities heard from esteemed filmmaker Rachel Perkins, Yes23 Campaign Director Dean Parkin, constitutional lawyer Dr Shireen Morris and Member for the Kimberley Divina D’Anna about why they are tirelessly urging the nation to say Yes.
The Referendum Roadshow event aimed to provide information, answer questions and facilitate important discussions with a panel of experts.
Local leaders of all ages spoke in Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing and Derby sharing why the change is needed.
Indigenous entrepreneur Scott Wilson speaks about the importance of voting yes and sharing the message across social media.
Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre CEO Emily Carter speaks on the panel in Fitzroy Crossing about why communities need locally led initiatives to create long lasting change.
They shared the stories of the old people who had come before, who had fought and dedicated their lives to see change for the communities.
They shared the locally led initiatives that had incredible success rates and made change, because they were designed from an evidence base which values local knowledges and lived expertise.
They shared the transformative and positive changes that could be made if communities had a direct line to government through a Voice.
They shared why a Voice is an opportunity for the nation to come together and say Yes to a better future for all Australians.
Bunuba Elder Patsy Bedford shares why she is supporting a Yes vote at the Fitzroy Crossing Referendum Roadshow event.
Miriwoong Gajerrong Elder Ted Carlton holds Yes sign at the Kununurra Kimberley Referendum Roadshow event after performing a Welcome to Country.
For too long, decisions have been made about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health, livelihoods, wellbeing and justice without our input.
A Voice to Parliament would support our ability to protect and care for Country.
Gaining greater ability to influence the decisions made about us is the most practical reform that can be made in a democracy.
The KLC is committed to continuing to share information about the upcoming referendum.
We encourage everyone to take the time to learn about what the Voice will mean for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and communities like those we visited here in the Kimberley.
Please share information and have discussions with your friends and family so together Australia can say yes to a better future.
Over 100 people attended the Referendum Roadshow event in Derby, Kimberley Western Australia.