A rally in support of the Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament referendum set for later this year will be held in Kibble Park, Gosford, from 1-2.30pm on Saturday, July 8.
It follows multiple rallies hosted by Yes23.com.au all over the nation on July 1.
Organiser Kim de Bruis said the rally would be a public show of support for the establishment of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and had been timed to take place during NAIDOC Week (July 2-9).
“I’m new to Central Coast, having relocated from Adelaide, but I’ve closely followed the initiative of The Uluru Statement from the Heart and the recommendation which became An Indigenous Voice to Parliament,” de Bruis said.
“And now the next stage is putting that recommendation to the vote.
“I am originally from New Zealand and the inclusion of Maori representation to parliament has profoundly benefited the national identity.
“A nation that identifies with its indigenous culture no longer tolerates systemic discrimination.”
Some First Nations people will share their very personal stories, non-Indigenous supporters will also speak and Yes23 will be giving away information handouts, with representatives available to answer questions such as What is The Voice? Why does Australia need it? And What will it do?
“This vote will give all Australians the chance to come together and consider a change to our constitution that will honour and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land,” the Yes23 website says.
“It’s a rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.
“Australia has been considering constitutional recognition for more than 15 years.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked that the form of recognition come through a Voice to Parliament, which will give advice on laws and policies that affect Indigenous people.
“This is what the Australian people are now being asked to decide: Should we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution, with a Voice?
“A Voice will provide advice to the Federal Parliament about laws and policies, through a consultative policy making process that delivers meaningful structural change.”
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Kim de Bruis
The Indigenous People of Australia must be included in out Constitution and be able to speak up for their concerns and be heard in submissions to Parliament.