CEOs from Allies for Uluru, a cross-sector collaborative coalition of more than 200 members, are showing their support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart to mark six years since it was issued by motivating their networks to take action for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Guided by First Nations-led campaigns the Uluru Dialogue and Yes 23, Allies for Uluru CEOs are encouraging the many thousands of Australians in their networks to move beyond educating to activating – to build the groundswell of public support needed to secure a successful referendum.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman:
“The referendum is an historic opportunity to come together and show who we are as a nation – fair, just and proud of the rich contribution that First Nations peoples bring. Beyond Blue has long supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its invitation to walk with First Nations peoples for a better future; a future that we hope will better support First Nations social and emotional wellbeing. The Uluru statement is Australia’s largest ever First Nations consensus on recognition. So my heart says YES to a Voice to Parliament.”
Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education Director Alopi Latukefu:
“We are at a point where a decision by a generation will forge a new beginning and an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. The Edmund Rice Centre supports the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”
Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs:
“We embrace the Uluru Statement in its entirety and support the Voice to Parliament as an important first step in truly shifting reconciliation in this country. Life Without Barriers will continue to be accountable as a partner in the Allies for Uluru and unite to support Australians in their understanding of how our country can thrive with the proper recognition and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Oxfam Chief Executive Lyn Morgain:
“Oxfam is proud to be collaborating with our peers across the not-for-profit sector in the lead up to the historic Referendum. We walk as allies alongside First Nations communities and we invite our supporters to embark on the journey with us by participating in the Referendum and voting YES!”
ANTAR National Director Paul Wright:
“Every day we hear from ANTAR supporters about their commitment to Voice, Treaty and Truth. There is excitement for the opportunity to take a historic and momentous step together this year when we go to the Referendum voting booths. Our many thousands of supporters and friends around Australia are proud to be part of the Allies for Uluru and our collective action for YES.”
ACOSS Deputy CEO Edwina MacDonald:
“Six years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart, this year’s referendum is long overdue. ACOSS is proud to be leading the community services sector in recognising the 65,000 years of Australia’s First Nations history. This Reconciliation week, and beyond, we will join with First Nations’ peoples to achieve a resounding ‘yes’ for a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, enshrined in the constitution.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation CEO Ian Wishart:
“Now is the time for leadership and for our allies to step up into the conversation. This is the only way we can ensure that First Nations Voices are brought into the heart of our national dialogue.It has been six years since the Uluru Statement from the Heart was born, an invitation that built on decades of work. We now have the opportunity to make an informed decision on the Voice and a moral imperative to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before arriving at our own decision.”
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a gift to all Australians. The upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament is an opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s constitution and also ensure their voices are heard on issues that affect them.
The Allies for Uluru Coalition was co-founded by the Fred Hollows Foundation, Oxfam Australia, ACOSS and ANTAR in February 2023. The founding member organisations are working to build a groundswell of public support for the Uluru Statement and ‘yes’ vote.
For media inquiries contact:
For more information or interviews with Oxfam, please contact Lucy Brown on 0478 190 099 or lucyb@oxfam.org.au
For more information or interviews with ANTAR, please contact Phaedra Engel-Harrison on 0481 093 139, or phaedra@antar.org.au
For more information or interviews with The Fred Hollows Foundation, please contact Danielle Buckley on 0400 325 065 or dbuckley@hollows.org
For more information or interviews with ACOSS, please contact Stacey Batterham on 0419 626 155 or stacey@acoss.org.au
