A message from our CEO Jenny Hall
This year and every year between 27 May and 3 June, Australia commemorates National Reconciliation Week.
These dates mark hard-fought milestones in our nation’s reconciliation journey – the anniversary of the successful 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision, respectively.
The 2023 Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, calls on Australians to continue the momentum for change, and to pick up the mantle from generations past who fought so fiercely for equality and justice.
This Reconciliation Week we are on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change our country for the better and ensure a more reconciled and just Australia for all.
The referendum on the First Nations Voice to Parliament later this year will provide a chance for Australians to unite and use our voices and our vote to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.
Today, UnitingSA is announcing our organisational support for the Yes campaign and the full implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its calls for Voice, Truth and Treaty.
Uluru Statement from the Heart
Securing a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament is the pivotal first step in addressing the injustices of the past and giving First Nations peoples a long overdue voice on issues that affect their lives.
Today we also commit to standing side-by-side with hundreds of other not-for-profit organisations, including many from the UnitingCare Australia network, in being Allies for Uluru.
UnitingSA’s position of support aligns with our vision and values, and was unanimously endorsed by our Board of Directors, in consultation with our Reconciliation Action Plan Committee.
While UnitingSA is proud to join the Yes movement, we understand and respect that there are a diversity of views on the Voice and we are committed to supporting informed and respectful dialogue.
We are deeply mindful of the cultural load that people may carry and acknowledge that for some, this may be a difficult personal time. Please remain mindful of the impact this topic may have on people around you and engage in conversation with respect, compassion, courage and integrity.