The Benalla For Yes Forum held on Wednesday, September 20, drew a crowd of more than 120 people.
Panellists Helen Haines, Greg James and Jana Stewart spoke about the reasons why they thought a Voice is needed and discussed some of the rumours they had seen on social media.
Dr Haines and Senator Stewart spoke in detail about how parliament will proceed with legislation for a Voice should the referendum succeed, with Senator Stewart joking that the Senate will “mark the homework” of the House of Representatives members such as Dr Haines.
FCJ College student Jacob Livingston proved to be the standout speaker of the evening.
His speech started off as a school assignment but it quickly became an area of intrigue for Jacob.
“Initially it was an oral presentation in VCE in grade 12 and so it has to be on a current issue in the media.
“Of course the Voice referendum is pretty big in the media at the moment, and I decided to choose that because that was the sort of thing that I was into.
“I’m very much a political fella.
“As I went along and as I researched, I found out a lot more about it (the Voice) and my feelings on it grew a lot during that time.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting to do anything more with it, just the speech at school, but it’s been really fantastic. Doing that forum was truly amazing, I loved every minute of it.
“I got to meet some really good people and it’s been fantastic these past few days because I’ve also been able to join in with the Yes campaign here in Benalla and that has been really fantastic.
“It’s really good to see the level of support in the community.
“You always think about campaigning as this really boring thing, you have to stand outside a polling place and just hand out leaflets, which I do plan on doing when polling starts but at the same time I’ve met all these people and they’re all so lovely and want to chat and want to learn.”
While Jacob is passionate about politics, he does not plan to seek out a career as a politician just yet.
Next year the FCJ student plans to take a gap year before studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in archaeology and ancient history.
With a knack for public speaking, Jacob is keen to continue learning and sharing what he has discovered.
“Last year I did my speech on the need for a federal ICAC, so it was pretty amazing last Wednesday when I got to meet Helen Haines,” Jacob said.
“The last time I spoke in front of a crowd nearly as big as the one I spoke at in front of on Wednesday was back in Year 5.
“I was 10 or 11 so when you’re that age you’re less self-conscious when you’re that young but I have always loved public speaking.
“I do get nervous still, but I feel like the need to voice your opinion and try and get other people to think about these issues, not even necessarily convince them of your point of view but to make them think about these issues is something that is really important.
“I’m absolutely honoured to have been given that chance (at the forum).”