The Richmond for Yes campaign kicked off this week, with a strong call for volunteers to help deliver a successful Voice referendum.
Bundjalung elder Charline Emzin-Boyd, who is leading the campaign locally, says, ‘People who want to be involved in this special moment in history can get in touch with us at Yes23’.
‘Volunteering is an opportunity to walk with us’, says Charline, ‘so people from different backgrounds and different politics can come together to make Australia a better place for everyone.’
The new campaign is based in the federal electorate of Richmond, which covers coastal towns from Tweed to Ballina, and west to Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah.
Charline is supported by former Liberal politician, Catherine Cusack and Greens candidate, Mandy Nolan.
‘It’s an opportunity for all of us to unite around voting “Yes” to an Indigenous Voice to parliament’, says Nolan. ‘This is a campaign with an absolute culture of positivity.’
Supported across the political aisles
Mandy Nolan has reached out to sitting member, and strong Voice supporter, Labor MP, Justine Elliot, to invite her to play a leading role in the new campaign.
A planning meeting on the weekend was attended by people from across the political spectrum, including former local Nationals candidate, Josh Booyens, and young Labor supporter, Patrick Jones.
‘The Voice is a way to recognise traditional custodians’, says 14-year-old Patrick, who is from Lennox Head.
‘I’m proud to be doing anything I can to promote it’.
Nationally, the ‘Yes’ campaign is being boosted by growing support from elite sports groups, large businesses, unions, major charities, and Indigenous organisations, with polls showing 80 per cent support among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The new Richmond for Yes campaign will work with existing smaller groups already active, such as the Brunswick Valley group, based around Ocean Shores.
‘I feel very positive about this campaign’, says Tim Mulroy, who is part of the Brunswick Valley group, which is in discussions with Splendour in the Grass about a ‘Yes’ presence at next month’s festival.
Volunteers needed
If you want to volunteer, visit Yes23.com.au, scroll down the list of Local Yes Groups, and click on Richmond for Yes, which will start public actions in coming weeks.
New volunteers will also be offered short training, including how to de-escalate with people who want to have an argument.
‘We will win with a positive message’, says former NSW Liberal MP, Catherine Cusack.
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