First Nations Advocacy
There has long been an affinity between multicultural communities and Indigenous communities—this is an affinity that ECCV is committed to strengthening through our policy, advocacy and project work. The 2023 referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament has offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all Australians to walk together on the path to reconciliation.
As the peak body for migrant and refugee communities across the state, ECCV is proud to lead the Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign. Through a series of town hall forums and workshops, the campaign will inform and engage our diverse communities about the importance of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution and how they can actively participate in this historic referendum.
Latest Updates
The fight is not over
While we are disappointed by the result of the referendum, ECCV recognises the strength and resilience of First Nations communities, and remains committed to creating a brighter future for all Australians.
ECCV launches Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign
ECCV was joined by more than 80 multicultural and multifaith leaders at Parliament to launch the Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign.
ECCV leading campaign to build multicultural support for ‘Yes’
The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is joining forces with Yes23 and the Multicultural Australia for Voice alliance to raise...
What is ECCV’s stance on a First Nations Voice?
Earlier this year, ECCV officially pledged our support for the Uluru Statement, affirming our belief in the importance of implementing all three of the pillars outlined in the Statement: Voice, Treaty and Truth. Read our Position Statement in full here.
Recognising First Nations Peoples in the Constitution is a crucial step forward, as is Treaty-making and Truth-telling about this country’s colonial history and its ongoing effects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.
ECCV is proud to support a First Nations Voice and is committed to empowering migrant and refugee communities to walk together on the path to shaping a fairer, more inclusive Australia.
Victorian Multicultural Voices for a ‘Yes’ vote
In the lead-up to the 2023 referendum on a First Nations Voice, ECCV is spearheading the Victorian Multicultural Voices for ‘Yes’ campaign in partnership with Yes23 and the Multicultural Australia for Voice alliance.
The campaign will raise awareness about the importance of recognising First Nations Peoples in the Constitution and how voting ‘Yes’ will achieve this. Through a series of town hall forums and workshops, the campaign will address misinformation, raise awareness about the referendum and empower members of our state’s multicultural communities to facilitate conversations about a First Nations Voice and why it matters.
ECCV was proud to launch the campaign with more than 80 leaders from multicultural and multifaith communities, Indigenous Elders and MPs at Parliament House on Tuesday, 15 August.
Guest speakers at the event included Aunty Esme Bamblett, CEO of the Aboriginal Advancement League and Elders’ Voice co-convenor at the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Colin Brooks MP and Minister for Treaty & First Peoples Gabrielle Williams MP.
Communities turn out for ‘Yes’ at Springvale town hall
ECCV co-hosted a town hall event with Settlement Services International on Sunday, 13 August to raise awareness about the referendum and why a First Nations Voice is important. The event was a resounding success with more 700 people, including a diverse array of multicultural and multifaith leaders, in attendance at Springvale City Hall.
The audience were treated a number of delightful cultural performances from local dance groups and heard from guest speakers such as Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney MP, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles MP, Indigenous rights activist Michael Long OAM and Uluru Statement from the Heart advocate Thomas Mayo.
Useful resources
- Multicultural Australia for Voice – translated resources
- The Uluru Statement from the Heart – translated
- Voice to Parliament – translated factsheets
- Australian government – translated resources
- Yes23 – Why vote Yes?
Further Information
To find out more about ECCV’s work advocating for reconciliation and First Nations justice, contact Xiaoran Shi (Media & Communications Officer).
Phone: 0478 218 472
Email: xshi@eccv.org.au