Understanding the Voice: Darwin Town Hall

You're invited to an interactive Town Hall at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Events Centre to learn more about the upcoming Voice Referendum.

Together with special guests, Rachel Perkins, Jon Faine, Jade Ritchie and Lawson Broad, we will talk about why constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step on the path to creating a better future. 

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions, share their feedback and learn about ways to engage in their local communities. 

What: Understanding the Voice Town Hall
When: Thursday 14 September, 6:30pm ACST
Where: Darwin Botanic Gardens Events Centre

This is an opportunity for the Darwin community to come together, learn and engage in a constructive conversation about the Voice Referendum and its potential impact. 

The Voice is a key reform in the Uluru Statement from the Heart which asks all Australians to recognise the rightful place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in their own country by establishing and enshrining a First Nations Voice in the Constitution. We wholeheartedly accept this invitation and invite you to join us to walk together towards this historic reform.

About the speakers:

Jade Appo-Ritchie

Jade is from the Bunda Clan of the Gooreng Gooreng Nation. Originally from Bundaberg, Jade has lived on Larrakia country for the past 10 years and is an advocate for the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Jade has extended that advocacy to be a spokesperson for the Yes campaign in the lead up to Referendum 2023.

Jade has 20 years’ experience working on programs and initiatives to enhance Aboriginal engagement and leadership capabilities across Queensland and the Northern Territory including remote communities in Arnhem Land and Central Australia.

Jade currently works as General Manager, Business Development with environmental services company Tellus Holdings, which she joined following a role with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, as Director of Economic Development and Major Projects. 

Rachel Perkins 

Rachel Perkins is of the Arrernte and Kalkadoon nations. 

She is at the forefront of the Australian filmmaking industry, with her continuing body of work as a screenwriter, producer, director, board member and festival director embodying her passion and skill in bringing Australian Indigenous stories to the screen. 

Rachel is the daughter of Indigenous activists Eileen and Charlie Perkins.

Lawson Broad

Lawson is the CEO of for-purpose organisation, Somerville, which provides high quality services to support people with disabilities, their families and carers. Lawson was born and raised in the Northern Territory and his experience spans the private enterprise, not for profit sector and public service sectors. 

Prior to joining Somerville, Lawson was a senior ministerial advisor for the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and the Minister for Education; Housing; and Lands, Planning and the Environment.

Lawson is a board member of UnitingCare Australia and is a member of Alliance 20 – the National Disability Services (NDS) National Committee on Housing and Supports, Northern Territory Council of Social Services (NTCOSS) and NDS Northern Territory Committee.

Jon Faine 

Jon Faine is a lawyer, author and was an ABC Radio host for thirty years.