The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) is joining forces with Yes23 and the Multicultural Australia for Voice alliance to raise awareness about the upcoming referendum among Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities.
This partnership effort will highlight the importance of recognising First Peoples in the Constitution and enshrining a Voice to Parliament so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a say on the issues that affect them.
As the peak body for multicultural Victoria, ECCV is dedicated to fostering stronger relationships and promoting dialogue between multicultural communities and First Peoples. The referendum presents a historic opportunity to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on the path to meaningful change, and ECCV is proud to lead this campaign to address misinformation and facilitate conversations within our communities. With over 220 organisational members, ECCV will work with our diverse membership base to raise awareness about why a ‘Yes’ vote matters.
ECCV’s campaign involves co-hosting a series of community events, focused on informing and engaging with multicultural communities about the referendum. On 13 August, ECCV co-hosted a town hall event with Settlement Services International to raise awareness about the referendum and the significance of a First Nations Voice. More than 700 people came to Springvale City Hall to hear from guest speakers including the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney MP, Indigenous rights activist Michael Long OAM and Uluru Statement from the Heart advocate Thomas Mayo.
ECCV also co-hosted a workshop at Victorian Trades Hall on 15 July in partnership with Migrant Workers Centre and the Islamic Council of Victoria. More than 50 multicultural and multifaith leaders were in attendance to learn more about the referendum and why a Voice to Parliament will make a practical difference to First Nations people across the country.
ECCV Chairperson Eddie Micallef says, “ECCV is committed to strengthening connections between multicultural and First Nations communities. A successful referendum is a key step in advancing First Nations justice and self-determination. By working together with our diverse communities on this campaign, we can help shape a more equitable Australia.”
ECCV CEO Mo Elrafihi states, “Recognising First Nations peoples in the constitution is vital. This referendum offers a chance for all Australians to unite, celebrate our shared values and work together to build a better future. Our awareness campaign will encourage multicultural communities across the state to actively engage in this once-in-a-generation moment in our nation’s history.”
Media Inquiries: Victoria Kyriakopoulos, Director of Media & Engagement
0431 091 738 | vkyriakopoulos@eccv.org.au