A message from the STA Board
At Southern Tablelands Arts we know thriving creative communities are intrinsic to the liveability and wellbeing of our region. We acknowledge Australia’s First Nations people as the traditional owners of the land where we share, create, live and work, and the richness their continuing cultural and spiritual customs and practices contribute to our creative communities.
We recognise the importance for Australia’s First Nations people to be heard and represented and we pride ourselves on fostering relationships and opportunities to collaborate with First Nations communities.
STA supports and celebrates First Nations creatives and is committed to the protection of culture and language across the STA region.
In the lead up to the referendum, the STA Board encourages our members, subscribers and friends to approach your decision with respect, empathy, and a commitment to making an informed choice that reflects your values and concerns.
“When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.” (First Nations National Constitutional Convention, 2017).
The Voice Referendum
It’s nearly referendum day and wether you are voting YES or NO, it’s time to make sure you understand what you’re voting on and where you can do it.
The referendum will be held on Saturday, 14 October 2023. It is about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
This is the first time voters will be asked to consider a change to the Constitution since 1999.
Be informed
Voters will be asked to write ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the ballot paper to a single question:
A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?
- The Uluru Statement from the Heart proposes that a Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution is a meaningful way to make this recognition a reality.
- Read the proposed constitutional amendment.
- Read the Voice design principles in full.
- The Voice website includes a new page with frequently asked questions. There are also plenty of resources available with information about the Voice.
How and where to vote
Visit the Australian Electoral Commission website for information about how and where to vote.
Postal vote applications close at 6pm, Wednesday, 11 October 2023. If you are using this method to vote, return your completed postal vote pack as soon as possible. The Australian Electoral Commission must receive your postal vote by Friday, 27 October 2023 for it to be included in the count.
Australia is a diverse nation with a rich cultural heritage that dates back 65,000 years. The First Peoples of Australia have deep and enduring connections to this land. Our 122-year-old constitution still does not recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
STA are proud to work with First Nations Artists, Creatives, community members and Cultural organisations across our region and beyond.
First Nations mental health and wellbeing support
The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a collated list of mental health and wellbeing supports and a stakeholder kit of resources for First Nations peoples and organisations which can be accessed here. ‘
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0427 938 110
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PO Box 1323 Goulburn 2580
ABN 67 208 214 681
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the lands where we create, live & work.
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