City of Newcastle (CN) is set to roll out the welcome mat for ultramarathon runner and Voice campaigner Pat Farmer this month.
The council was the first in the greater Hunter to get behind the “Yes” crusade.
So, it’s keen to greet the former federal Liberal MP, who’s currently participating in an epic six-month odyssey around Australia in support of the Voice to Parliament.
His 14,400km journey is designed to raise awareness, backing and engagement for the upcoming referendum.
Farmer will take a break from his Run for the Voice, which includes up to 80km each day, to share his views during CN’s family-friendly event at Wallsend’s Federal Park on Saturday 19 August, from 11am until 1pm.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said council was proud to endorse the “Yes” vote.
“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, I commend Pat Farmer for his amazing feat of endurance, all in the name of raising awareness about the importance of voting ‘Yes’ for the Voice to Parliament,” she explained.
“Newcastle boasts a long and rich history of standing side-by-side with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to enact positive change.
“We established the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee more than two decades ago, while also being the first city to raise the Aboriginal flag over a civic building under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings.
“We’ve formally endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the ‘Yes’ campaign, reflecting the views of our progressive and inclusive community.”
Ward Four councillor Deahnna Richardson applauded Mr Farmer’s efforts to promote understanding of the proposed constitutional amendment.
“CN supports the call for a constitutionally-recognised voice that would enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to provide advice to Parliament on policies and projects that impact our lives,” she said.
“Pat Farmer’s Run for the Voice is a wonderful initiative that will bring more awareness and understanding of this important issue to communities right around Australia.”
Fellow Ward Four councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said CN’s event would provide an accessible way for people to learn more about the upcoming referendum and the ‘Yes’ campaign.
“I encourage Novocastrians to come out and show their support for Pat and the Voice,” she added.
Find out more about Mr Farmer and track his travels around Australia at www.runforthevoice.com
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- Safety improvements switched on at notorious Islington intersection
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