Barangaroo buildings light up for Hands on the Heart National Youth Voice Conference

Callan Morse Published August 25, 2023 at 10.30am (AWST)

news

Uluru Youth Dialogue Hands on Heart National Youth Conference delegates from the Multicultural Youth Advisory Network Tasneem Negussie, Kate Yeung, Rahila Abdul Hadi, Arozoo Rahimi, Khin Khin Soe and Aisha Mahdi. (Image: supplied, Bastion Reputation)

Buildings across the Sydney local government area of Barangaroo have lit up to mark the arrival of young delegates from across Australia for the Uluru Youth Dialogue's inaugural Hands on Heart National Youth Voice Conference.

The four-day Conference, which commenced on Thursday is an opportunity for people aged 18-30 from a variety of backgrounds to educate and activate on the First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum.

The Uluru Youth Dialogue partnered with UNICEF Australia, Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network to host the conference, which aims achieve three key outcomes of education, activation and connection.

Proud Wiradjuri and iTaukei Fijian woman and Uluru Youth Dialogue co-chair, Bridget Cama, said it was wonderful to see so many young people from all walks of life coming together for a common goal, to learn more about the Voice and take that key information back to their own communities and organisations.

"Allira and I can already feel the positive vibe of the room. It's the first time we've had non-Indigenous young people, First Nations young people and some of our Uluru Youth Dialogue Ambassadors in the same room," Ms Cama said.

"We know that young people are going to play a key role in the success of this referendum and are the biggest supporters when it comes to the Voice."

Various organisations have been invited to nominate up to five young people connected to their group to take part in the Hands on Heart Youth Voice National Conference.

Skyscrapers across Barangaroo lit up on Thursday to mark the opening of the conference. (Image: supplied, Bastion Reputation)

Proud Cobble Cobble woman and Uluru Youth Dialogue co-chair, Allira Davis, thanked delegates for travelling far and wide to attend the conference.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we need to take advantage of it. We are the future and want to make positive change in our lifetime," Ms Davis said.

"We want our young leaders here with us to take it all in. This is a big moment in Australia's history but importantly this is a safe space; being a conference led by young people, for young people."

100 young delegates from every state and territory are attending the conference, representing dozens of organisations including ReachOut Australia, the Fred Hollows Foundation, St Vincent de Paul Society and United Nations Youth Australia.

UNICEF Australia Child and Youth Engagement Manager, Freya Conomos, said young people thrive the most when they have the right to be part of the decisions that impact them.

"It's so great to look out and see so many amazing, smiling faces, here for a positive message and to learn and connect with each other all weekend."

The conference is being held at Barangaroo's International Towers on Gadigal land from Thursday 24th August to Sunday 27th August.