In our nation’s history, whenever big issues arise, you’ll always find our arts and culture community rising to the occasion.
The 2023 referendum for The Voice is just the latest example.
Nationally, the response has been overwhelming. How’s this for a who’s who supporting cast for the Yes campaign? John Farnham, Paul Kelly, Tom Gleeson, Peter Garrett, Celeste Barber, Magda Szubanski, Cate Blanchett, and the list goes on and on.
As far as I know, a confused Kamahl is the lone celebrity voice backing the No campaign, although by the time you read this, he may well have switched his allegiance back to Yes again.
Our creatives get creative
In the Illawarra, our creatives have demonstrated their overwhelming support for a Yes vote.
It kicked off with the super successful Art from our Hearts exhibition, organised by the hard-working team at Clifton School of Arts (CSA).
The president of the CSA, artist David Roach, said he wanted to express his support for the Yes vote in any way he could.
"Too many artists and performers I knew, either at school in Moruya, or later in my career, died much too young. Nothing we have tried has worked. We know that people having control of their own destiny makes a difference, so let’s do it. It’s a modest request that will make no difference to our lives, but it just might transform theirs," David said.
The need to do something to help
One of the exhibition organisers, Vyvian Wilson said she had the idea of creating a fundraiser for the Yes23 campaign because she felt "the need to do something" to help get The Voice established in Parliament.
"I have long felt the shame and horror at the racism in this country and the subsequent poor and indifferent treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by governments of all persuasions," Vyvian said.
One of the contributing artists, Ann Clark, said she was more than happy to donate her Gliding Egret painting to the exhibition "as I strongly feel Australia needs to start righting the wrongs inflicted on our First Nations people".
Ann said, "All this systemic and racially motivated government control over their lives needs to be addressed through consultation with the communities it affects, rather than being at the whim of bureaucrats and politicians."
Another artist, Kendal Hayes said: "I support the Voice campaign because it’s a step toward a better future for Indigenous people in Australia. A Voice to Parliament will mean governments can make better decisions concerning First Nations people, like health, education, employment, and housing."
Artist Lesley Goldacre strongly believes "the appalling treatment of the Aboriginal people of this land must be faced and addressed", adding: "The Voice to Parliament is really a human rights issue and I don’t think it goes far enough in guaranteeing Indigenous people get the action they need to be able to live in the dignified way they wish for in their own country."
Singing from the heart
The local Yes campaign has also been bolstered by the voices of the Wollongong Choir for Yes, which has evolved from Singongo, under the direction of Janet Andrews from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.
"Song reaches the heart, and your voice is a musical instrument," Janet said. "It’s in your body and you feel more connected whenever you hear people sing."
The choir has performed the Suze Patten song, Voice Treaty Truth, at several special Yes campaign events, including the big rally and walk over Windang Bridge where the lyrics rang out across the parkland.
You made a Statement from the Heart
You made it loud, you made it clear.
You made a statement from the heart,
Now it’s up to me to hear.
Choir member Pauline Clapham said, "If big business has a seat at the table within government and parliament, surely our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders deserve a seat at the table too."
At rehearsals, Sandra Luschwitz told me: "It’s imperative we do this, not only for the current generation but the future Indigenous youth. If we don’t do it now, then when? For their children and ours."
Janet Andrews believes the Yes vote is "a no-brainer".
"They’ve come to us with an offer of generosity. How can we refuse them? It would be a huge step backwards if we declined their invitation."
Voices for the Voice
And two fabulous local live music venues, the Servo at Port Kembla and Frank's Wild Years in Thirroul, have opened their hearts and their doors for a couple of brilliant Voices for the Voice events.
Speaking at Thirroul, last weekend, proud Yuin/Dharawl custodian Dr Jodi Edwards said our First Nations people have used music, song, and dance to express themselves since ancient times.
"We’ve always had our songlines. You learn the songs and share the stories," Jodi said.
Before the gig began, musician Hatsia said she didn’t hesitate to throw her support, and her voice, behind the Yes campaign.
"For musicians, this is the way we communicate, share joy, and the important messages of what we believe in."
The home stretch for Yes campaign
Today the marathon Wollongong Yes23 campaign began wrapping up pretty much as it began, with a Swim Out/Sit In for Yes at North Wollongong Beach.
The event started at 8am on Sunday, October 8 with high-energy Aerobics YES Style, then the fourth and final Big Beach Breakfast for Yes before we all head off to vote on the 14th.
About the writer
Jeremy Lasek has many decades of experience in media, marketing, events and PR. His career began in the Illawarra with the Lake Times, ABC Radio and WIN-TV. For eight years Jeremy was news director for WIN in Canberra and was national news director before joining the National Capital Authority as head of media and events. Jeremy was executive director of ACT Government Communications, Events, Arts, Heritage and Protocol for many years, was Chief of Staff to the ACT Chief Minister and had responsibility for the Centenary of Canberra celebrations in 2013. Before returning to Wollongong, Jeremy was CEO of the National Australia Day Council (including the Australian of the Year Awards) and head of communications for the Australian Federal Police. He’s currently volunteering on the YES23 campaign.