More than 100 people attending a SA Catholics for the Voice rally in Mary MacKillop Plaza on Friday September 6 were urged to talk to their friends, family and colleagues about the importance of voting Yes in the Voice referendum.

“If all of you can convince just a couple of people who might have voted ‘no’ to vote ‘yes’ that could make the difference,” said Kyam Maher, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and SA Attorney-General. “Thank you for what I know you are all going to do….to walk with us to get this done.”

Sabrina Stevens, Kuku Yalanji and Yidinji woman, born and raised in Cairns, Far North Queensland, and youth councillor with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Commission, also addressed the rally.

She said a Voice to Parliament, enshrined in the Constitution, would mean “our people will be heard and have the opportunity for subsidiarity where those who are most impacted by decisions can be part of the decision-making process”.

“It means recognition of who we are with our continuing connection to country, land, sea, sky, kinship, dance, law and language,” she said.

“It means a seat at the table, we can be part of the conversation about our mob rather than just another topic for discussion.

“The work in these areas is a continuing journey. We have been on this path for many generations and this work for our mob and community will continue for many generations to come.

“I think about my elders, who have helped pave the way up to this point and the efforts they’ve given to this country, I think about the future generations and try to picture what type of life I’d like to see them lead.”

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