Australians will soon vote in the referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
For our part, the City of Greater Bendigo supports recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament.
We also commit to share clear, unbiased information on our website regarding all aspects of the upcoming referendum.
Our support for the Voice to Parliament is another demonstration of our commitment to advancing reconciliation for Traditional Owners and local First Nations community, and aligns with objectives in the Council Plan (Mir wimbul), Barpangu Reconciliation Plan and Social Justice Framework.
Initiatives such as Aboriginal place naming of important civic buildings, being a signatory to the recognition agreement Yilingga Marna with DJAARA, Reimagining Bendigo Creek, support for NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week, and showcasing First Nations performances, art and culture in our theatres and galleries are in harmony with our support for the Voice to Parliament.
We recognise there is a diversity of views regarding the Voice to Parliament and the referendum, and we respect that.
We encourage residents to actively inform themselves and respectfully exercise their democratic right to have their say.
