Faroque Amin : In anticipation of the historic referendum to endorse a “Yes” for including the Voice to Parliament in the Australian constitution, community leaders and representatives convened on the evening of 8 September 2023 in a spirited gathering that resounded with the promise of progress.

The event, aptly named the “Community Ambassador for Yes,” unfolded in the hallowed halls of Western Sydney University’s Bankstown campus, drawing a multitude of community leaders from diverse backgrounds. Their shared objective was to engage in an enlightening discourse on the impending referendum and its potential to fortify and advance the nation.

Jointly organised by the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Arts, and the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, this gathering aspired to promote inclusivity, disseminate vital information, and fortify the bonds within the community.

At its core, the event revolved around championing the importance of advocating for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum. Several speakers passionately discussed the prospective positive ramifications of the proposed constitutional changes, explaining why casting a “Yes” vote was indispensable for the country’s progress towards a better and shared future.

The evening’s commencement was graced by an indigenous fire-burning ceremony, an ancient tradition of Australia’s First Nations people. Attendees gathered to celebrate the profound significance of this age-old custom outside the venue.

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As the discussion started, Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM, Aunty Jennifer Newman, and Uncle John Dickson talked about the values and history of the First Nations people, offering a heartfelt acknowledgment of the country’s traditional custodians. Brad Chilcott AM, the Yes23 National Multicultural Engagement Coordinator, also discussed the pivotal importance of the upcoming referendum.

Distinguished leaders, including Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts, Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, and Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians, extended their gratitude to the community representatives and underscored the potential progress attainable through this impending referendum in their addresses.

In a show of unity and support, the event also witnessed the presence of several dignitaries such as Senator Fatima Payman, Hon Jihad Dib MP, Shaikh Shady Alsuleiman, Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, and numerous other community, religious, intellectual and political leaders. Representing the Bengali community newspaper Suprovat Sydney, Abdullah Yusuf Shamim, the Editor-in-Chief, and Dr Faroque Amin, the Editor, were among the attendees, contributing their voices to this significant occasion.

The “Community Ambassador for Yes” event was a testament to the shared commitment of community leaders and representatives to create a more inclusive and progressive Australia. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and informed voting in shaping the country’s future.