Later this year all Australian citizens will have to vote in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal people in the Constitution and set up a Voice to parliament, which will give them a say in programs that affect them. The Buddhist Council has launched the Uluru Project to help explain these developments to Buddhist communities and help them make up their minds ahead of the referendum.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation from Aboriginal leaders to the rest of Australia to walk together for a better future. The Buddhist Council believes that this is an important opportunity to create a more united Australia and address the injustices that Aboriginal people have suffered since colonisation. While we support a Yes vote, everyone must make up their own minds.
We are supported by a grant from Multicultural NSW and have the privilege to be working with Professor Jack Beetson, who can share his experience as an Aboriginal man.
What are we doing?
We are meeting with leaders of Buddhist communities to explain the project,and learning how best to reach each Buddhist community. Over the next few months we will share information and provide updates that people can share within their communities.
In August we are planning on holding a workshop for Buddhist Community Leaders where we can all come together to share ideas and thoughts on how best to inform our communities before the vote. If you would like more information on this, please contact Gawaine Powell Davies, Chair, BCNSW at gawaine99@gmail.com or Anita Baccam, Project Coordinator, Uluru Project – BCNSW at anita@anitaplanner.com.au.
Resources
To help you form your view on the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum, here are a few useful resources you may want to consider.
https://aec.gov.au/referendums/
https://alliesforuluru.antar.org.au/
https://youthoffthestreets.com.au/get-involved/walking-together-workshops-training/
Contact information
For more information on the BCNSW Uluru Project or for resources to distribute to your community, please contact Gawaine Powell Davies, Chair, BCNSW at gawaine99@gmail.com or Anita Baccam, Project Coordinator, Uluru Project – BCNSW at anita@anitaplanner.com.au.