City of Newcastle will welcome ultramarathon runner Pat Farmer into Wallsend in August as part of his epic six-month run around Australia in support of the Voice to Parliament.
The former Federal Liberal MP will be four months into his 14,400km Run for the Voice journey, which is designed to raise awareness, support and engagement for the upcoming referendum.
Pat will take a break from his demanding schedule, which sees him run up to 80km each day, to share his views on the Voice during City of Newcastle’s family-friendly event at Wallsend’s Federal Park from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 19 August.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was proud to endorse the ‘Yes’ campaign, and support the tireless campaigning of Pat Farmer to raise awareness about the importance of the upcoming constitutional referendum.
“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, I commend the Hon. Pat Farmer AM for his amazing feat of endurance, all in the name of raising awareness about the importance of voting ‘Yes’ at the upcoming referendum for the Voice to Parliament,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle has a long and rich history of standing side-by-side with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to enact positive change, having established the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee more than two decades ago, while also being the first city to raise the Aboriginal Flag over a civic building under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings.
“We’re proud to be the first local council in Greater Newcastle to formally endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the ‘Yes’ campaign, reflecting the views of our progressive and inclusive community.”
Ward Four Councillor Deahnna Richardson applauded Mr Farmer’s efforts to promote understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.
“City of Newcastle supports the call for a constitutionally recognised voice that would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to Parliament on policies and projects that impact our lives,” Cr Richardson said.
“Pat Farmer’s Run for the Voice is a wonderful initiative that will bring more awareness and understanding of this important issue to communities right around Australia.”
Ward Four Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said City of Newcastle’s community event will provide an accessible way for people to learn more about the upcoming referendum and the ‘Yes’ campaign.
“I encourage Novocastrians to come out and show their support for Pat and the Voice at our family-friendly event at Wallsend later this month,” Cr Adamczyk said.
