General News
28 September, 2023
Voice to Parliament session organised for Maryborough
With the Voice to Parliament referendum vote only a fortnight away, a local group is organising a community session next week to help people make an informed decision ahead of the polls. Set to be held on Monday, October 2, the Central Goldfields...
With the Voice to Parliament referendum vote only a fortnight away, a local group is organising a community session next week to help people make an informed decision ahead of the polls.
Set to be held on Monday, October 2, the Central Goldfields YES23 group is hosting the Central Goldfields for Yes Community Forum at the Maryborough Community Hub from 6.30 pm — and all residents, irrespective of their stance are encouraged to attend.
The forum will give attendees the opportunity to hear from Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, Victorian Senator Jana Stewart, Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta Elder and DJAARA CEO Rodney Carter, as well as from Member for Ripon Martha Haylett.
“Locals are invited to attend the [forum] where there will be an opportunity to learn more about the Voice to Parliament,” Ms Haylett said.
“I know there are many different points of view in our community. Some say that a Yes vote will divide us. But I believe this referendum is an invitation to join together to make us a more complete nation.”
A spokesperson from the local YES23 campaign team said that the motivation behind organising the event was to ensure clarity of information within the community.
“The forum is open to everyone — including those who have not yet made a decision — to allay any fears, to be more informed and to be able to interact in a friendly environment,” they said.
“Questions from either side will be welcomed and it is an opportunity for people to gain information and clarity about the Yes campaign’s objectives.
“It is also a chance for people to learn and reaffirm their opinion or change their opinion as well as interact with like-minded people, whether Yes or No.”
Bookings for the forum are essential and can be made onwww.trybooking.com/CLSCS — attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions when making a booking as well as on the day of the event, with a Q&A box set to be placed at the entrance.
For more information on the referendum, including where to vote, where to vote early, and how to cast your vote, see Page 8 of today's Advertiser