An invitation to reflect on the Voice

By Kayla Jones

Apr 22, 2024

Learning from the past: This event will offer a chance to look back on and learn from the past, and consider what should happen next. Photo by Cath Grey

‘What can we learn from the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum?’ This is the burning question at the core of the Reflections on the Voice event, which will take place on Tuesday, April 23.

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Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group and La Trobe University have invited all to join them for a night of reflection led by the globally acknowledged Professor Andrew Gunstone.

Prof Gunstone is the co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and is internationally recognised for his work in reconciliation.

He oversees all reconciliation matters at Federation University, where he works as vice-chancellor and Professor of Indigenous Studies.

Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group convener Diedre Robertson said that having Prof Gunstone visit Shepparton would be essential in reassuring people that work towards reconciliation will not stop, following the referendum.

“Shepparton has such an enormous history of First Nations leaders who work really hard to make a change,” Mrs Robertson said.

“It’s important to let the Indigenous people know, now more than ever, that we’re not stopping now.”

The talk, which will cover a broad scope of topics relating to Indigenous rights and reconciliation, including racism, the practice of truth-telling (the exposure and acknowledgement of historical truths) and international and local ally-ship, hopes to develop an idea of what Australia needs to do next as a nation.

“It’s always useful to reflect on what has happened and think about what comes next,” Mrs Robertson said.

“Now, more than ever, we must keep talking about the history of this nation, talking about the importance of truth-telling for everyone.

“There’s still an enormous amount of work to do in terms of providing accurate information, to see past campaigns and understand where we really are as a nation.”

Prof Gunstone’s new book – Reflections on the Voice: During and After the Campaign –will be available for purchase at the event for $34.95; cash payments only.

All proceeds from sales on the night will go directly toward funding an Indigenous scholarship on truth-telling.