Multicultural Geelong hears case for Voice

A 25,000-kilometre journey across Australia to raise support for the Voice to Parliament referendum visited Geelong last week.

Australian of the Year Local Hero and Diversity Australia chair Amar Singh was in Geelong last Thursday (September 12) for a Geelong for Yes event.

Mr Singh met with faith and multicultural leaders from across Geelong to discuss the referendum, its importance and his tour so far.

Mr Singh is nearing the end of his cross-country marathon that aimed to meet directly with 100,000 people across Australia in the lead-up to the referendum.

“I want all diverse communities to be a part of this story, together we can achieve greater good for our First Nations people,” he said.

“There has been a gap in information — go back decades and multiculturalism was a new thing — people were scared that migrants were going to take over Australia.

“Looking at the referendum, there is nothing to be scared of. This is a wonderful and very important step in the right direction.”

Journalist and diversity advocate Antoinette Latouf helped facilitate the workshop, which included representatives from Geelong’s Drol Kar Buddhist Centre, Catholic and Uniting churches, Interfaith network and Hazara community.

Wathaurong Elder Aunty Wendy Brabham and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative community strengthening manager Jordyn Flagg were also part of the workshops.

Geelong for Yes convenor Kayne Harwood said the event brought together leaders from diverse faiths and cultures to discuss how to make the case for the Voice in their communities.

“It was uplifting today to see the empathy that migrant communities like the Hazaras, who are a persecuted minority in their home country, have for Australia’s First Peoples – who make up less than four per cent of the population and suffer worse outcomes in health, education and economic participation.

“Our wish is that all the attendees take the message of hope that they heard today back to their communities and encourage them to vote ‘Yes’ on October 14.”