The Yes23 campaign for the upcoming referendum on a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is gaining traction in Shepparton.
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.
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.”
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.”
The hub will be run by volunteers, who will be there to talk with people and help them access information about the referendum.
And if a good chat can’t tempt you to visit, maybe a coffee and free Yes merchandise and informational pamphlets will.
People can access the hub, as availability of volunteers allows, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
To volunteer at the hub, head to the YES23 website.