The upcoming referendum on the Voice is an opportunity to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s Constitution and to ensure their voices are heard on issues that impact their communities.

The request for the establishment of the Voice stems from The Uluru Statement from the Heart, an invitation to all Australians to walk alongside First Nations people on a path to reconciliation, to progress, embrace and celebrate the oldest continuing living culture on the planet.

For 20 years, OzHarvest has been working towards our vision of a world without hunger, where food is valued and not wasted. Protecting people and planet is central to our mission along with driving change at all levels of society. Our purpose is to Nourish Our Country and we are committed to treating everyone in the community with dignity, respect, kindness and compassion.

We acknowledge that our 300 staff and 3,000 volunteers live and work on traditional Aboriginal lands extending across Country in metropolitan, regional and remote communities. We serve and support some of the most vulnerable people in Australia and see the struggles and hardship they face every day. We take time to listen to and understand the needs of the community so we can provide vital food relief, education and social connection to support those who need it most.

First Nations Australians have asked for a Voice so that they can be heard and listened to on issues which impact their community. Their ask is clear and is one we support.

OzHarvest welcomes the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and supports a Yes vote in the upcoming Referendum to alter the Constitution for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. We believe First Nations Australians should have a say on matters that impact them as this will lead to better outcomes for communities and Country.

Please find a link to our Position Statement here.

The Indigenous Art Poles pictured, tell the story of the Belmont Lagoon, an important dreaming site of the Awabakal people. Uncle Nolan Simon invited the OzHarvest Nourish Community to add their hands to the poles, to commemorate their involvement in the continuing story of this land.