‘Belonging together, walking together,’ they say

THE Bass Coast Yes23 referendum walk was held on Sunday morning, with over 300 people meeting at Apex Park and rallying for a yes vote to ‘The Voice’, with roads closed to assemble through McBride Avenue to Wishart Reserve for an official welcome and smoking ceremony. 

The community assembled discussing what ‘The Voice’ will look like if the referendum concludes a yes vote next month. ALP senator Jess Walsh travelled from Melbourne to partake in the Yes23 Bass Coast Wonthaggi walk alongside, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, Bass Coast Shire Mayor Michael Whelan, and fellow councillors. 

Senator Jess Walsh said, ‘the voice is about three simple things.’

“The referendum on October 14 will address these three things, the first is about recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, as the first people in our Constitution and really celebrating the 65,000 years of continuous culture that we're so lucky to have in this country. 

“The second thing is about listening. And it's about listening to their ideas for a better future, through an advisory committee, called the Voice.”

Jess explained that ‘through the advisory committee, people will be able to share ideas for how we as Australians can meet the challenges that Aboriginal people face around jobs, health and education.’ 

“The third part is to deliver better results because we know that what we're doing now is not working. There's still a big gap for Aboriginal people. And this is an opportunity to come together and do better,” said senator Walsh. 

Senator Walsh confirmed “I’m supporting Yes. Because it's what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have said, will make things better for them, with 80 per cent of indigenous Australians supporting a voice. I think we’re a very lucky country. Were a wonderful country. But for me, too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being left behind.”

The Yes23 campaign is said to be an invitation to walk together as one country to unite with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

“The Voice will be structured as an advisory committee set up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. For them to give advice to the parliament and to the government – advice that isn’t just symbolic but practical,” said senator Walsh. 

“I think one of the opportunities in this is being able to get better results and better value for money.” 

The Yes23 walk was organised by co-captain Kevin Walsh, Kevin welcomed CEO of Reconciliation Victoria Nicole Findlay – Wonthaggi resident - to welcome the community to the walk ahead of the October 14 vote. 

Nicole shared “we are better together. We are richer together. We have so much learning to do and if there is a gap that we need to close more than ever in this nation. It is our gap of learning. We still have years of history to learn. Let's go there together.” 

A community information session is being held on Tuesday, September 26 from 12pm until 3pm at The Dakers Centre, Leongatha. A panel open for community question to better help understand the upcoming mandatory vote on the voice.