Tamworth Town Hall will host an evening of community conversation surrounding the Voice to Parliament and the upcoming referendum on Monday 25 September.
Starting at 6:30pm, this free event is aimed to help the community engage in discussion and make informed decisions prior to the planned referendum on October 14.
According to the official event page, the Understanding the Voice session is an opportunity to “talk about why constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step in the walk towards reconciliation as a country.”
“It is an opportunity for Australians across the country to come together, learn, and engage in a constructive conversation about the Voice Referendum and its potential impact,” says the event page.
Attendees will hear from several highly regarded local, and nationally recognised speakers including:
- Jade Appo-Ritchie: Advocate for the Uluru Statement from the heart, Ms Appo-Ritchie heralds from the Gooreng Gooreng nation of Queensland and has spent over 20 years working on initiatives to improve engagement and leadership in Aboriginal communities across Queensland and the Norther Territory.
- Cr Charles Lynch: A Gomeroi man who is known for his work in the field of Aboriginal Land Rights. He is a current member of Nungaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council as well as being involved with Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service and Walhallow Murri Aboriginal Enterprise Corporation. Cr Lynch is also a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
- Geoff Scott: A Wiradjuri man known for his work in Aboriginal Affairs and the Aboriginal Land Council. Mr Scott was the Executive Officer of the Referendum Council.
- Rachael Phillips: A Gomeroi woman who is passionate about education and culture, Ms Phillips is the director of Birrelee Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Service (MACS) and also sits on multiple local, and national boards and consultation groups.
- AO Kate Carnell: Ms Carnell is a company director and small business advisor and has also previously been the CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ms Carnell was awarded as Officer of the Order of Australia for community service through contributions to economic development.
MC for the evening will be Gomeroi and Ngarabul man Marc Sutherland. Mr Sutherland is a current Councillor for Tamworth Regional Council and is heavily involved in multiple local Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
For those who attend, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback after the speakers have shared their views. If you are unable to attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed.
To book tickets to either to attend in person, or view the live stream of the evening, visit the event webpage.
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