The Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation will be providing an opportunity for Pilbara communities to learn more about the Voice to Parliament through its Voice Referendum Roadshows.
The Roadshows will include information on how the Referendum came about; the referendum question, what a successful Yes vote will mean for First Nations peoples, what the Voice will (and won't) do, and what will happen after the referendum.
The Pilbara Voice Referendum Roadshow is held 4 to 15 September, visiting Onslow, Karratha, Port Hedland, Tom Price and Newman.
The Onslow Roadshow evening event begins at 5.30pm Monday 4 September at RM Forrest Hall, 29 Second Avenue, Onslow.
YMAC Co-Chairperson – Yamatji Region Mr Peter Windie said the YMAC Board of Directors "believe it is vital to ensure we are recognised in the constitution, and to have input into laws, policies, programs, and decisions which affect First Nations people".
"This can be achieved through a Voice to Parliament," he said.
"The Referendum Roadshow is an opportunity for all Australians in our regions to understand the positive difference the Voice to Parliament will make for First Nations people."
YMAC Deputy Co-chairperson, Pilbara Region Mrs. Doris Eaton will join some of the roadshow events in the Pilbara.
"We know a lot of people have said they just don't know enough about it to make a decision on how to vote. The roadshows will provide a forum to learn more, ask questions, and have a yarn with our speakers so they feel confident
writing YES on Referendum Day," she said.
Last month the Yamatji Voice Referendum Roadshow ran from 22 to 25 August, visiting Carnarvon, Northampton, Geraldton and Mt Magnet.
All Roadshow events will feature a panel discussion. Invited to join YMAC on the roadshow will be community leaders, parliamentarians, and representatives from the YES23 campaign. Everyone is welcome to attend.
More event details:
Karratha - Wednesday 6 September. 10am-12pm and 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Pegs Creek Pavilion, Galbraith Road.
Port Hedland - Thursday 7 September. 1pm - 3pm and 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Friday 8 September 10am-12pm. Walkabout Hotel, 945 Great Northern Highway.
Tom Price - Tuesday 12 September. 10am - 12pm and 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Tom Price Community Centre, Tamarind Street.
Newman - Thursday 14 September. 10am - 12pm and 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Senior Sports Pavilion, Boomerang Oval, Mindarra and Newman Drive.
