The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation for all Australians to “walk with our [First Nations] people in a movement of the Australian people for a better future1.” A referendum will be held on Saturday 14 October for all Australians to have the opportunity to vote to support recognising Indigenous people in our Constitution in the form of a Voice.
Position
Volunteering WA fully supports the Voice as proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a practical measure that aligns with our purpose to “empower people and communities to enrich WA”. We know that communities are strengthened when people have a say in decisions that impact their lives.
We acknowledge that for First Nations people, contributing to the community is embedded in everyday cultural life. We walk on this journey with First Nations people, living our values of integrity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is demonstrated through our Reconciliation Action Plan, where we take meaningful action to advance reconciliation though relationships, respect and opportunities within our organisation and with stakeholders.
Volunteering is the concept of giving time freely to help others. We have much to learn from First Nations people across Western Australia about traditional ways of giving and sharing within families and communities and caring for country. Recognising the significant contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in both formal and informal volunteering both historically and today, is an important part of this journey.
This is an exciting time for all Australians, to look forward with hope, opportunity, and recognition in this pivotal time in our nation’s history. We urge all our members to use their voice in the campaign.
