Thousands Gather in Queensland for ‘Yes’ Campaign
By The Queenslander staff
Community events held across the Sunshine State on Sunday saw thousands of Queenslanders come together in support of the ‘Yes’ campaign for Indigenous constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament.
Brisbane and Townsville events attracted an estimated 3,000 supporters, and events in Cairns and on the Sunshine Coast also saw strong turnout. This forms part of a nationwide groundswell, with over 20,000 Australians rallying in support of the Yes movement at gatherings across the country.
“Yes 23” Campaign Director, Dean Parkin, joined Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, in Brisbane, praising attendees for their dedication to the cause.
“On behalf of the Yes Campaign, I would like to thank every single person who took time out of their Sunday to join this positive movement, to come together to support a Yes vote in the referendum later this year,” Parkin said.
He highlighted the campaign’s success in fostering dialogue around the push for Indigenous constitutional recognition, hinting at more to come. “Today is proof that thousands of Yes volunteers are energised and set to ramp-up efforts in their local communities in the coming months,” he stated.
Participants at these events, from Brisbane to Cairns, joined their voices with others across the country, demonstrating their commitment to moving Australia forward by recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution.
More than 30,000 t-shirts and 25,000 corflutes were distributed across 30 events nationwide, as the campaign focused on engaging community conversation and support.
The recognition of Indigenous peoples in Australia’s Constitution and the establishment of a Voice to Parliament have been key issues in Australia’s ongoing journey towards reconciliation.
Rachel Perkins, Co-Chair of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, spoke at Sydney’s event, praising the strong community support and unity for the cause.
“Having a Voice to Parliament will make sure Indigenous people have a say about policies that directly affect them, their families and their communities,” Ms Perkins said. “We are buoyed by the goodwill of Australians who are ready to embrace this unifying moment and walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
With the ‘Yes’ campaign aiming to engage and educate in the lead up to the referendum later this year, Queenslanders can expect to see more of this movement in their communities.
