Members of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria were joined by the minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, down the famous Charcoal lane in Melbourne on Thursday.

The minister, who has traversed the country during the referendum debate, told reporters that Victoria and the Assembly was an example of how fears around legislated Indigenous voices were unfounded.

"There has been a commitment from the Victorian Government, and the First Peoples of Victoria, to bring about this change. The change is happening," the minister said.

"There is a representative body of Victoria, who are leading this discussion and these processes. And you know what, the sky hasn't fallen in. And we are seeing justice, we are seeing truth. And I think there is a lot to look towards in Victoria, in terms of where we go nationally as well."

Charcoal lane - in the inner suburb of Fitzroy - is adorned with artwork by Gunnai Waradjeurie man Robert Young and known nationally as the title of the 1990 debut album from Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Elder Archie Roach.

Peek Whurrung, Djab Whurrung, Kirrae Whurrung woman and Assembly member for the South-West region, Sheree Lowe, paid tribute to Uncle Archie.

"It's great to be here in Charcoal Lane, which is really significant for us Aboriginal people," she said.

"Uncle Archie is a strong, courageous Djab Wurrung, Bundjalung leader from our mob - Gunditjmara - so it is really fitting to be here where many of our elders have marched and advocated for our rights. The opportunities we have today comes from their advocacy."

Assembly Co-Chair, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Ngarra Murray, said the location of the press conference was significant.

"Wurundjeri country in the heart of Fitzroy where we first found our voice, where we've been on the forefront of the political movement where our activists, our Elders, our leaders, our trailblazers fought for their rights in this country," she said.

"And here we are today still fighting for a voice, the Assembly has shown that, you know, we are the voice of Victoria. It's enabled us to get to treaties and truth telling, and we're calling on everyone and encouraging everyone to vote yes in the upcoming referendum.

"Today we stand here as a collective, show our collective strength of many nations, many clans, our allies and supporters, and we work towards a better future for our people not just here in Victoria, but across the country."

Fellow Co-Chair and Gunditjmara man, Rueben Berg, said to a gathering of people - including volunteers from YES23 - that the referendum was getting closer, but conversation remained needlessly complicated.

"This referendum is a very simple and straightforward referendum. It is about recognition. It is about listening. And the vast majority of First Peoples support the Voice," he said. "We know that when you listen to First Peoples, you get better outcomes."

"Here in Victoria, we've already demonstrated the value of having a voice, of having a collective group of First Peoples who are democratically elected, who are representing the diversity of our communities, and who are accountable to our communities. And we know that such a voice is really powerful and can lead to really powerful things."

The press conference opened with a welcome to country from Wurundjeri elder Uncle Ringo Terrick, who spoke in the shadow of the housing commission towers where he spent "eight long, cold Melbourne winters," telling reporters that his life was "on another trajectory" for a long time.

"The voice represents so much more for our people, but I hope it's more than just a voice to Parliament," he said. "I hope it's listened to and not just heard."

"We are putting up a great risk as we put our best foot forward as Community here in Melbourne, here in Naarm, and we have great faith in the process."

The National Indigenous Times spoke to several members of the Assembly, who said the referendum process - along with all the excitement and discussions of progress - had been exhausting.

Bunurong, Trawoolway woman and reserved seat holder representing Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Zoe Upton, said many First Nations people had suffered during this period.

"It has been extraordinarily stressful for Aboriginal people sitting and trying to convince people to give you a voice and some space, and you are met with totally inconsistent information," she said.

"There is some radical thinking around ideas like 'your land is going to be taken away,' and it's simply not true. Even for myself, I have had to take self-care and sit back sometimes."

13YARN, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, told National Indigenous Times that in the period from March to June this year, they saw a 108 per cent increase in callers reporting abuse/racism/trauma as a driver of their distress compared to the same period last year.

In the four-week period up until 17 September, 17.24% of calls referenced abuse/racism/trauma compared to only 9.85% during the same four weeks in 2022. Overall calls have also increased, with the 13YARN's top ten busiest weeks occurring in the five weeks since 14 August this year.

In response to a question from National Indigenous Times, minister Burney acknowledged the challenges and said the government has anticipated the growing mental health burden with extra funding allocated in this year's budget.

"There was $10 million that has gone to NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) to support local Aboriginal Health Services in terms of mental health. I have met regularly with places like people like 13YARN, Lifeline, the youth support hotline, and all of those organisations that provide that kind of support," the minister said.

"...there has been an enormous amount of work and anticipation that we would see what we're seeing."

She also noted that the government has worked closely with Equality Australia, who helped deal with the significant spike in abuse during the same-sex marriage plebiscite in 2017.

Early voting begins next week and will be in operation across Australia during a two-week early voting period. Voting centres locations and opening times can be found on the AEC website.

If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.