‘Yes’ supporters flooded the main streets of Kiama on the morning of 1 August to convince the community to vote in favour of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament at the upcoming referendum.

The National Day of Mobilisation was led by the local yes23 chapter, a non-political group, beginning in Hindmarsh Park at 10AM before marching towards the Kiama Blowhole and back into town.

Participants stopped along the way to chat with other Kiama residents and visitors to discuss what exactly is included in the Voice and what isn’t. Australians will decide whether to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which would serve as an advisory board to the Federal Government on issues affecting Indigenous Australians. 



The Voice would not be able to implement its own policy or directly deliver services, but as its inclusion would require amendments to the constitution, a referendum must first pass to make it a reality.

Karen Forsyth from the Kiama Region for yes23 campaign kicked off proceedings by reminding participants what they were marching for.

“We need to listen to our Indigenous Australians by providing a Voice, a Voice that actually addresses issues that affect Indigenous people across the country. Why do we need to enshrine it? Because we can’t silence it because of different political tides that come and go. 

“It needs to be respected in a bipartisan way, and that's what today is all about. All across the country, Australians are coming together in a grassroots way, we are crossing political, ethnic and religious divides to say Yes. We have a choice at the referendum, we have a choice for unity, for reconciliation and for respect.”

The Bugle also caught up with Kiama Councillor Stuart Larkins, who was among the marchers, to discuss why it was important for him to attend.

“From my personal perspective, my mother is an Aboriginal woman from the Aboriginal community. This is an important issue about the recognition of our involvement and living in this area for a long time, having the heritage of the Wodiwodi people.

“From a Council perspective, Council has endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart and we’ve moved the motion to support the ‘Yes’ campaign. The Yes vote is very important for the constitutional change we need in Australia."

Marchers who trekked up the hill to reach the Kiama Blowhole were rewarded with a spectacular sight of humpback whales breaching close to shore.