Barangaroo buildings have lit up in recognition of young delegates from across Australia arriving for the Uluru Youth Dialogue’s inaugural Hands on Heart National Youth Voice Conference.
The Conference, which kicked off this afternoon with a grounding smoking ceremony, will be an important opportunity for people aged 18-30 from many different backgrounds to educate and activate on the First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum.
Proud Wiradjuri and iTaukei Fijian woman and Co-Chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, Bridget Cama, said it was wonderful to see so many young people from all walks of life coming together for a common goal, to learn more about the Voice and take that key information back to their own communities and organisations.
“Allira and I can already feel the positive vibe of the room. It's the first time we've had non-Indigenous young people, First Nations young people and some of our Uluru Youth Dialogue Ambassadors in the same room,” Ms Cama said.
“We know that young people are going to play a key role in the success of this referendum and are the biggest supporters when it comes to the Voice.”
Proud Cobble Cobble woman and Co-Chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, Allira Davis thanked delegates for travelling far and wide to attend the Conference.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we need to take advantage of it. We are the future and want to make positive change in our lifetime,” Ms Davis said.
“We want our young leaders here with us to take it all in. This is a big moment in Australia’s history but importantly this is a safe space; being a conference led by young people, for young people.”
Child and Youth Engagement Manager at UNICEF Australia, Freya Conomos, said young people thrive the most when they have the right to be part of the decisions that impact them.
"It's so great to look out and see so many amazing, smiling faces, here for a positive message and to learn and connect with each other all weekend."