Voice to Parliament | Yes campaign comes to Shepparton

By Nicola Ceccato

Aug 21, 2023

United front: The Yes23 Campaign Hub was launched last week, opening its doors on Fryers St. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Yes23 campaign for the upcoming referendum on a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is gaining traction in Shepparton.

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On Wednesday, August 16, a Yes23 hub was launched, providing a space for the community to source accurate information and talk with others about the referendum.

This came a day after Greater Shepparton City Council voted to support a Voice to Parliament.

The hub on Fryers St was started by a group of Greater Shepparton locals, who said they decided it was time to spread correct information.

Crowded: A large group of people attended the launch to support a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Photo by Megan Fisher

Lisa McKenzie was one of them.

Mrs McKenzie emphasised that the aim of the hub was not to push their agenda but rather provide informed and accurate information to the community.

“People aren’t informed about the Voice to Parliament, so it’s going to be difficult for them to know which way to jump,” she said.

“We’re not railroading people, we’re not trying to push people a certain way.

“What we really want to do is make sure that we can have good, healthy, respectful discussions in our community and get information out there that’s accurate, so people do make a decision from a place where they’re well informed.”

Staying informed: Pamphlets, stickers and poster cards are available at the Yes23 Hub. Photo by Megan Fisher

At the launch, free Yes merchandise, coffee and cakes were handed out, with more than 50 people attending to show their support.

Uncle Paul Briggs, who is part of the First Nations Referendum Engagement Group, spoke at the launch and thanked everyone for standing together to support the Voice.

“This is really an important time in history and I want to say just say thanks for the way in which we’re responding here in Shepparton, across the region, across the seat of Nicholls and in other parts of the country,” Mr Briggs said.

“I think there’s a couple of parts to this and one is definitely the future of First Nations people and our place in Australian society.

“The second part is self-interest, we’re all going to be ancestors at some point and we’re all leaving a legacy that is good for our future generations.

“So it’s as much about the future of Australian society as it is about First Nations peoples as a part of Australian society.”