Hobsons Bay council is housing a free community forum on the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.
The forum will feature a panel of First Nations leaders and advocates and will be held at the Newport Community Hub on Monday, September 11.
Council said it will explore the referendum and reasons why they support an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The panel includes Mayor Ross Andrews, a Djungan and Yalanji man from the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council in north Queensland.
Mr Andrews is a member of the referendum engagement group for the Uluru Statement of the Heart.
it will also feature Ian Hamm, a Yorta Yorta man who has been actively involved in the Victorian Indigenous community personally and professionally for many years.
As well as Heather Wearne, an academic and teacher of Indigenous studies and Australian colonial history, a social justice advocate, and a volunteer educator for the Yes 23 campaign.
Council said it has a long and proud sister city relationship with Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, which has helped establish this year’s referendum.
At its meeting council voted to support the Yes vote, and to promote information and resources to help the community become informed about the Voice.
Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa said the Voice to Parliament referendum will be a defining moment in Australia’s history and will be an important step towards reconciliation.
“I’m proud our council voted to support the Yes vote,” she said.
“I will be voting Yes because I believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a say on the decisions that affect them.
“It’s a fair, reasonable, and respectful thing to do.
“We have a cherished sister city relationship with Yarrabah, and we’re looking forward to having Mayor Ross Andrews speak in our community along with Dr Heather Wearne and Ian Hamm about why a First Nations Voice to Parliament is so important to them and our nation.
“I encourage community members to let their family, friends and community groups know about this panel and come to hear this important discussion.”
