Oxfam - Virtual Gathering on the Voice

Oxfam invites you to an online community gathering to learn more about the Voice Referendum.

Together with special guest Thomas Mayo and Narelda Jacobs as the MC, 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. This meeting is open to all Oxfam staff and supporters, their friends, colleagues and networks.

What: Understanding The Voice
When: Wednesday 9 August 7pm - 8pm AEST
Where: Online

This is an opportunity for our 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

Narelda Jacobs OAM

Narelda Jacobs is a Whadjuk Noongar journalist, presenter and commentator. Her career at Network 10 has spanned more than two decades, starting in the Perth newsroom in 2000 before heading to Sydney in January 2020 to co-host Studio 10 and present 10 News First Perth. Narelda is currently a co-host of Studio 10 and presenter of the one-hour national news bulletin 10 News First: Midday.

Narelda is a regular at NITV and SBS, co-hosting The Point, Going Places with Ernie Dingo and the network’s January 26 coverage. She co-hosted Sydney Mardi Gras with SBS from 2019-2021 and has appeared on The Project, Insiders, Q+A and The Drum. Narelda is a sought-after MC, moderator and speaker, appearing on stages and airwaves across Australia with prime ministers, international leaders and humanitarian advocates. Narelda co-hosts the podcast ‘456 Club’ and is a regular guest host for Mamamia Podcasts.

Thomas Mayo

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Indigenous Officer of the MUA and a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Thomas has been a leading advocate since its inception in May 2017. He is the Chairperson of the Northern Territory Indigenous Labor Network and a director on the Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition board. Thomas is the author of six books published by Hardie Grant and has many articles and essays published across the major media providers.

His latest book is co-authored with well-respected journalist, Kerry O’Brien: The Voice to Parliament Handbook - All the details you need was published May 2023.

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.

About Oxfam Australia

Oxfam Australia has a strong history over 50-years of working as an ally with First Nations communities. We are committed to self-determination, recognition of sovereignty and a democracy that is founded on Treaty and truth-telling. We walk proudly alongside our peers in the non-government sector and with First Nations communities on the journey towards reconciliation.

In its early days as Community Aid Abroad in the 1970s, Oxfam Australia supported projects addressing land rights, cultural identity and survival, health, education and legal aid. Oxfam Australia is a founding member of the Close the Gap and Change the Record coalitions, which are Indigenous-led groups dedicated to improving health and justice outcomes for First Peoples.

Over the past decade, our Straight Talk program has brought together more than 950 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from around the country to meet politicians, learn about Australia’s political system, and use what they learn to create change in their communities.