GOOLUM News We are a primary health and wellbeing organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people operating on the traditional lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples. We strive to provide a holistic model that responds to the physical, social emotional, Cultural and spiritual need of our people.
October2023 2023 October,
A Message re: The Voice
I
n recognising that the Goolum
that was largely silent on calling out these
Directors took the stance to support
behaviours.
a YES vote in the referendum I want to send a very personal and heartfelt message to all our Mob this week.
There is only one way to overcome, ignorance, apathy, and racism – that is for our nonindigenous population, systems, and leadership
The result of an overwhelming NO to the Voice to commit to truth telling, taking ownership of proposal has caused a lot of pain, a lot of fear,
this nation’s history and genuine education
despair and even anger.
starting with our young people.
We fully recognise all of those emotions and
This referendum defined non-aboriginal
we are here in any capacity to support our
Australia not our people. We are resilient and
community.
we hold the knowledge on how to deliver
I had the privilege of spending the past few
better outcomes.
days with my fellow CEOs from across the
Finally, I do acknowledge that 40% of
West at our WDAC meeting.
Australians support our right to be recognised
There was so much raw emotion and hurt shared and once again I was witness to the lived experience of our communities. Like most Aboriginal agencies we are going to take some time out to reflect, regroup and rethink how we engage with Government, mainstream organisations and more broadly the non-indigenous community. The NO campaign was riddled with barefaced
and heard. We thank all those who went above and beyond to promote the YES campaign. In the wake of these events, Goolum Goolum has decided for unity and healing in our community to move our annual Wimmera River Challenge to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander only event. Take care and look out for each other. - Ants, Goolum Goolum CEO.
lies, deliberate misinformation, and a media Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative//goolumgoolum.org.au Goolum News—www.goolumgoolum.org.au