We say YES to the VOICE

As the Board and Staff of ActNow, we stand united in support of the Voice to Parliament in Australia. We urge each and every one of you to cast your YES vote in the upcoming referendum.

For us, this is a moment of reckoning. We cannot ignore the long and ongoing impact of colonisation. It has shaped our society in profound ways and left scars on the land and in the hearts of its First Nations custodians. The Uluru Statement from the Heart reminds us that we must confront this legacy head-on, as a nation, and in a way that honours the strength and wisdom of those who have been here since time immemorial.

The Uluru Statement is not just a document; it is the collective voice of Australian First Nations people – the pulse of a resilient and ancient culture that has endured the trials of history. It calls for three fundamental principles: Voice, Treaty, and Truth, reflecting the deep-rooted desire for self-determination, recognition, and healing.

For us at ActNow Theatre, this journey is deeply personal. Our support of the Voice is an extension of our commitment to decolonising how we live, work, connect, and create our art. It is a YES solidly anchored in the values and principles that guide our work – diversity, consultation, participation, sustainability, and openness.

We are a proudly diverse, multicultural organisation at every level – from artists to staff to the board. Through our programs, we boldly confront racism; we uplift marginalised voices and empower our artists to share their truths on behalf of their communities. In our work, we explore how allies and even bystanders have a role to play in disabling racism and bringing unconscious bias into consciousness. 

Our long practice has taught us that we can only do this by being willing to have honest and even uncomfortable conversations, and hold ourselves and others accountable. We have to actively challenge the wedge colonisation attempts to drive between us. This commitment aligns with the essence of the Uluru Statement – creating a space where all voices are heard, valued, and respected.

Australia’s Aboriginal peoples have retained, and championed their cultural values even in an environment where they have been systematically disempowered, and against great odds. It is thanks to them that Australia has been a multicultural country for longer than the dominant narrative gives credit. 

We want to acknowledge those within our community that may have different positions on establishing the First Nations Voice to Parliament. They may be sceptical about the process, the model, the very idea itself. These views are shaped by their individual values, unique experiences, and worldview. And we are here for the conversation. This diversity of perspectives enriches our work, our democracy, and fosters dialogue. Our desire is to create a space where all our stakeholders and participants – regardless of their stance – feel safe, heard, and connected.

We acknowledge the Voice is not a silver bullet, but it is a start. This is why we are voting YES. Together, we can be the voice that echoes across generations, resonating in harmony with the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

ActNow Theatre Board and Staff

 

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