The upcoming referendum will have a profound effect on the sort of nation our children will grow up in.

We know that many busy parents just haven’t had the time to engage with the proposal to recognise First Nations through a constitutionally enshrined Voice.

This special evening event will give parents and their kids information about what the Voice is all about:

What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart and where does it come from?

How can listening to community transform the way child care is delivered in Indigenous communities?

How can we navigate these conversations about the upcoming referendum with family, friends and children?

We know time is scarce, so we want to make this late-evening event easy for you to attend with your kids. It is set to be a fun and engaging session for both parents and kids!

About the speakers:

Jade Ritchie (MC)

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.

Megan Daley

Megan Daley is a multiple award-winning Early Years Teacher Librarian and author of the bestselling book 'Raising Readers' (UQP, 2019) as well as 'Teacher, Teacher' (Affirm Press, 2023) and 'The Beehive' (Walker Books, 2024).

A former national vice-president of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Megan is also a regular literary judge, curator of 2023 Brisbane Writers Festival Word Play program, a sought after speaker, the creator of the popular website Children's Books Daily and co-creator of the Your Kid's Next Read podcast.

Catharine Liddle

Catherine, an Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, is a leading advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and serves as CEO of SNAICC .

With a wealth of experience in national Indigenous organisations, she drives policy reform, empowers children and families, and promotes community-controlled early childhood education and support services. Her commitment to Indigenous-led partnerships is instrumental in addressing gaps and improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Catherine's dedication to Indigenous-led partnerships plays a pivotal role in addressing gaps and enhancing the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Jessica Rudd

Jessica Rudd has worked in business, politics, communications and media, and is an accomplished public speaker and media performer who has contributed to newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs and has written novels for publication.

Jessica now lives in Brisbane with her two children and works as the interim CEO of the Parenthood, along with being the non-executive director for the Australian Agricultural Company, and the Pro Chancellor at Griffith University. She is also the co-chair of the National Apology Foundation.