Together, Yes

Become a host for a conversation about what it means to enshrine an Indigenous Voice in our constitution.

April 5, 2023

The upcoming referendum is a historic opportunity for Australians to acknowledge and honour First Nations people in this land and to walk together as a nation toward a better future. Uniting Church people have an opportunity to be a part of this.

Together, Yes is looking for people to act as conversation hosts, bringing together small groups in their homes or in communal spaces. With the support of high-quality, curated materials, leaders facilitate conversations that will build empathy and connection to the historical and contemporary issues underpinning the case for a Voice.

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Together, Yes uses the tried and tested Kitchen Table Conversations model of the Victorian Women's Trust.

Mary Crooks, Executive Director of Victorian Women's Trust, and Project Director, said the aim was for people from all walks of life to enjoy safe and respectful conversations, have their opinions tested and ultimately clarify their thinking around referendum issues.

Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis encouraged UCA members to consider becoming hosts of Together, Yes conversations.

“Uniting Church members who have experience of using consensus-decision making bring a unique set of skills in facilitating spaces for people to have respectful and open conversations,” said Rev Hollis.

“Many Uniting Church people and communities are deeply passionate about justice for First Nations people, a commitment that is grounded in our long-standing covenant relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.”

“I urge members of our church, particularly those of us who are Second Peoples, who want to be a part of the work towards constitutional recognition and the full implementation of the Uluru Statement, that this is a meaningful and impactful way to help make that a reality.”

The Together, Yes website has all the information about the process and you can sign up now to be a host.

An online information session was hosted for Uniting Church members who want to know more. Email comms@nat.uca.org.au if you would like a recording of this session.

To learn more about the Uniting Church's support for a First Nations Voice and for more resources go to our Uniting for the Voice page.

Walk for Yes

This weekend thousands of supporters for a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum will “Walk for Yes” in events across the country to show there is wide and deep support for a First Nations Voice. The Uniting Church supports the Voice as an opportunity to celebrate the First Peoples of Australia in our…

National weekend of prayer, reflection and meditation

Communities of faith all over the country are invited to participate in a National Weekend of Prayer, Reflection and Meditation from 8-10 September to reflect on and pray for unity and hope in the lead-up to the Voice referendum.“This is an opportunity for us to open your hearts again to what is…

Referendum date announced

Referendum date announced Now is the time to join others in actions to support a Yes to healing and hope. The Uniting Church in Australia welcomes the announcement of 14 October as the date for the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress National Interim Chair…

Taking action for the Voice

Taking action for the Voice Four ways you can support a Yes vote in the Referendum In the Meanjin oration delivered on Monday night, Indigenous leader Noel Pearson spoke about the long and arduous pathway toward recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that has led to the referendum. But at this critical…

NATSI Children's Day 2023

This Friday 4 August is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day – a celebration of the strengths and culture of First Nations children. This year’s theme “Little Voices, Loud Futures”, acknowledges that a First Nations Voice would amplify the work being done to ensure First Nations children…

5 UCA voices on the Voice

5 voices on the Voice Five pieces of writing from Uniting Church people on the Voice to Parliament The Voice to Parliament continues to be a defining conversation for our nation this year. There is a lot of talk in the public space and a lot of information to process. Across the Uniting Church,…

From Melbourne to Bunuba Country

From Melbourne to Bunuba CountryWesley College Chaplain Bradon French reflects on a trip for students to Yiramalay Studio SchoolBy Bradon French, Chaplain for Wesley College at Glen Waverley CampusThe students from Wesley College, Glen Waverley campus, recently went to visit Yiramalay Studio School. They have built a unique partnership between themselves and the Bunuba people.…

Q&A with Noel Pearson

Are you thinking about your vote in the referendum? Watch the recording of this online webinar hosted by the Assembly on 16 August to hear from Indigenous leader Noel Pearson and constitutional lawyer Dr Shireen Morris about what a Voice to Parliament would mean for Australia. Subscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest…