Why we are voting Yes

Richard Tellford has lived in the area for nearly 20 years. “I think it just makes sense to join Aboriginal people in their desire to be heard. I think it’s really important,” he said.

Moses DeBono joined the Long Walk on Thursday, August 31, with Sophie the Jack Russell. “I believe in what’s happening with the referendum. I will be voting Yes because Indigenous people need to have representation for themselves. The voice will give them what they need to help their communities,” he said.

Valerie Sherwood-Lester, Zarina Husein-Ellis and Ian Lester joined the Long Walk. “We feel that the constitution is very important for the Indigenous peoples and will give them their voice," Valerie said. “They will finally be recognised in this country and that’s what needs to happen," Ian said.

Jonothan Lyle Jones is a seventh-generation Seymour resident. “It’s generations overdue, this situation. It’s a frustration for me that we haven’t got this process in place at that level of government, for our first Australians … I think we are probably the only country in the world that doesn’t recognise formally our First Nations people. I’m so much in support of it because if it doesn’t happen this time I really worry for the future, for my kids and my nation. For me, it’s the only opportunity we’ve got. Have a bit of trust in the system and let's see what happens ... nothing more, nothing less.”