A small army of community volunteers is mobilising to help Noosa Shire voters get to grips with the coming referendum on constitutional recognition of First Nations people.
With the referendum likely to be held in mid-October, hundreds of volunteers from the new Noosa for Yes community organisation are now hitting the streets to distribute information and speak with Noosa Shire voters.
Noosa for Yes coordinator Dr Geoff Evans said volunteers packed Tewantin Catholic Parish Hall this week to collect information resources for distribution in local neighbourhoods.
“It was quite a scene, with volunteers handing out boxes and loading them into car boots,” Dr Evans said.
“We’re all pumped. We’re ready. We’re on a mission to make sure that every voter in Noosa Shire has an opportunity to get the information they need to make an informed choice and vote Yes for Constitutional recognition of First Nations people.”
Dr Evans said Noosa for Yes was established to answer people’s questions and point them in the direction of credible sources of information about the voting process and about why First Nations people developed the proposal for Constitutional recognition via an Indigenous Voice to Parliament to advise on policy and legislation affecting them.
Volunteers included nurses, teachers, a retired principal and small-business people. They came from every town and district across the shire – from Peregian Beach to Pomona.
Dr Evans said community members were finding creative and joyful ways to show support and raise awareness, including quilters for Yes and dog owners parading their Yes pups on social media.
With likely only around 40 days to go until the referendum, Noosa for Yes had a packed events calendar, with weekly stalls at markets including Pomona and Noosa Marina, “Cuppa and Conversation” events in local parks and information stalls in shopping strips and at beaches.
As well, volunteers were hitting the streets to distribute information and door knock.
“In parks, on beaches, at markets, in shopping strips and across kitchen tables, our volunteers have had hundreds of conversations with ordinary people right across Noosa Shire,” Dr Evans said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the public response and people’s willingness to learn more about how the Voice will support practical change to Close the Gap. It’s inspiring to see so many Noosa people get on board with Yes.”
To see coming events or sign up to volunteer, go to the Noosa for Yes website at www.yes23.com.au/noosa_for_yes
