A group of nearly 100 Noosa residents has volunteered to be part of a newly-formed community organisation, Noosa for Yes.
The group is one of about 200 community groups across the nation in the Yes23 campaign, established to support constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice.
Headed nationally by directors Daniel Gilbert and Rachel Perkins with a board of directors that include Noosa’s Noel Pearson, Yes23 describes itself as “a grassroots coalition is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, supported by many organisations, and powered by thousands and thousands of volunteers”.
Noosa for Yes coordinator Dr Geoff Evans of Pomona said locally the group includes people from all walks of life including nurses, teachers and small-business people from across the shire from Peregian Beach to Pomona.
“We have come together to help make sure that Noosa Shire voters get the information they need to make an informed choice and vote Yes for recognition of First Nations people in the coming referendum,” he said.
“We’re there 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 advisory body.”
In 1967 more than 90 per cent of Australians voted Yes in a referendum to change the constitution to count First Nations people in the population and allow the Federal Government to make laws for them.
“We’re inspired by the chance to help local people to play our part in a proud and unifying moment for our nation – recognising First Nations people in the constitution by establishing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament advisory body,” Dr Evans said.
“I think Noosa Shire people have a generous spirit and know what’s fair.”
Noosa for Yes volunteers plan to have a presence at markets, sporting events and parks in the coming weeks and months and invite people to engage with them. They are also available to speak to service clubs, sports clubs or at events and are keen for others to help their campaign.
To get in touch email noosaforyes@gmail.com or for more information visit yes23.com.au/noosa_for_yes.
