Yes supporters rally in Barwon Heads

THOUSANDS of supporters of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament made their way to the Bellarine on Sunday for a symbolic demonstration ahead of next month’s National Referendum.

Moe than 2,500 people attended the Barwon Heads Walk For Yes demonstration as part of the nationwide National Walk for Yes movement on September 17.

Supporters gathered at a rally on the Ocean Grove side of the Barwon Heads Bridge where they heard from local and First Nations representatives.

The crowd then walked to the Barwon Heads side of the bridge as a show of unity.

Federal Member for Corangamite and event co-organiser Libby Coker led the demonstration alongside the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

She said Sunday’s demonstration was a wonderful opportunity for Australians to walk together ahead of the referendum.

“Walking across the bridge is symbolic, we want to walk together to bridge the divide, and so it was Sunday morning when we walked the Barwon Heads Bridge,” Ms Coker said.

“What an awesome turnout, more than 2,500 people walking the Barwon Heads Bridge, singing John Farnham’s ‘You’re the Voice’, and hearing truly heartfelt messages from our local First Nations people.

“There was such a feeling of unity. The momentum is building, and with it a growing movement to support our First Nations people, they have waited such a long time, and this is our opportunity to walk together and accept the outstretched hand of our First Nations people.”

The referendum will take place on October 14 to decide to amend Australia’s Constitution to include an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Bellarine for Yes convenor Trent Millsteed, who works with 300 local volunteers, said it was amazing to see the turnout from supporters on the day.

“I expected a good turnout, we’ve been running a lot of stalls, door-knocking, leafletting, and holding community conversations, so we’ve been seeing a lot of people out there supporting the movement.

“I was expecting 1,000 people to arrive, so we’ve had over double what we expected.

“The evidence in the turnout and the collaboration between volunteers, the Wathaurong, our local representatives on council, politicians, and the general public says to me that it’s now a case of ‘when’ not ‘if’ we get a Voice to Parliament.”

Head to www.aec.gov.au to learn more about the upcoming referendum.