Twenty10 supports YES to a Voice to Parliament. A First Nations Voice to Parliament is a powerful first step towards Treaty, and Truth, and is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a direct say in matters and policies that impact their lives. As a non-Indigenous organisation, we listen to the perspectives of peer led, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations such as BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation and Black Rainbow who work with LGBTIQA+SB communities, and who support a First Nations voice to Parliament and The Uluru Statement respectively. We also acknowledge that this process has revealed and given rise to racist voices that have always been here. As an organisation we will stand in solidarity with First Nations people, with a commitment to playing our part in dismantling racism and discrimination in this country and providing spaces for young LGBTIQA+SB mob to be their authentic selves.

If you are feeling affected by current looking for additional support during this difficult time, reach out to QLife or 13YARN for mental health and crisis support.

Our Full Statement on the Voice to Parliament

Acknowledgement of Country

Twenty10 incorporating the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of New South Wales (Twenty10) acknowledges the traditional owners of Country throughout New South Wales, including the Gadigal people of the land on which we live and work. We recognise that this is stolen land. We extend our acknowledgement to First Nations people across this continent and its surrounding islands and honour their sovereignty and resistance. We recognise their ongoing relationship with the land, waters, and sky, and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

We recognise and affirm Sistergirls and Brotherboys and other LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our communities. As an organisation, our work and advocacy remain entwined with colonial systems. We acknowledge the pain and trauma caused by colonisation, both historic and current.

Sovereignty was never ceded, and no treaty was signed. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Twenty10’s Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Twenty10 operates from a stance of cultural humility to reflect on and improve our work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe that working towards justice is essential to building cultural safety in the spaces we operate and greater society.

As a signatory to the Redressing Aboriginal Homelessness Accord (2017) “we recognise that dispossession must be addressed as a matter of justice” and we support all efforts that aim to meaningfully resolve rights to the land of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Justice also includes access to culture, community and family, housing, education, legal support, income and health.

Twenty10 believes that appropriately funded, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led services, strategies and leadership are essential to achieve justice. We are committed to building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations and using our platform to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led activities and initiatives in the work for justice.

Twenty10 says YES for the Voice to Parliament

Twenty10 supports YES to a Voice to Parliament. A First Nations Voice to Parliament is a powerful first step towards Treaty, and Truth, and is an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a direct say in matters and policies that impact their lives. As a non-Indigenous organisation, we listen to the perspectives of peer led, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations such as BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation and Black Rainbow who work with LGBTIQA+SB communities, and who support a First Nations voice to Parliament and The Uluru Statement respectively. We also acknowledge that this process has revealed and given rise to racist voices that have always been here. As an organisation we will stand in solidarity with First Nations people, with a commitment to playing our part in dismantling racism and discrimination in this country and providing spaces for young LGBTIQA+SB mob to be their authentic selves.

Access to Services

Twenty10 acknowledges the serious impact this referendum is having on First Nations communities, and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will require additional support pre, during and post this referendum process. Twenty10 is a safer space to access support, either through our youth programs or through QLife – our all-ages peer support service.

We would encourage you to get in touch if you are seeking extra support, and regardless of how, or if you vote in this referendum, Twenty10 will support you.

If our services aren’t the right fit for you, then we can assist in connecting you into other support services. This is also a time to reach out to friends and peers who may be impacted by this process and to stay connected if you are feeling isolated and impacted.

Resources

Twenty10 has compiled some resources that may be of assistance at this time, including other support services and perspectives on the Referendum.

• BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation
• Black Rainbow
• Switchboard Victoria – Racism
• WEAVE – Youth and Community Service
• Uluru Statement – Youth Dialogue Declaration
• Blak Sovereign Movement
• ACON – Approach to the Voice Referendum
• Passing the Message Stick

What You Need To Know About Voting In A Referendum If You Are Over 18

By law in Australia, if you are over 18 you need to be enrolled to vote, and vote in the upcoming referendum, otherwise you risk receiving a fine.

The referendum date is October 14, 2023.

Information on how to vote in the referendum is HERE via the Australian Electoral Commission

If you are a current housing client, or service user at Twenty10 – please feel free to get in touch with your case manager or whomever facilitates the groups you attend, if you require more information about voting.