A group of young Australians have returned to their home communities full of enthusiasm and determined to spread the word about constitutional recognition.
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The Aboriginal teenagers from Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Lismore, Collaroy and Warrawong took part in a two-day workshop organised by Recognise, the people’s movement raising awareness of the need to fix the Constitution and build support for change.
Leteasha-May Tipler-Ruttley, 17 from Port Macquarie is excited to be involved in the Recognise campaign.
“From now, I’ll go home and speak to my school about what I’ve learnt and speak to the SRC group and find ways to get the word out about Recognise and what it’s all about,” she said.
Among the teenagers who travelled to Sydney for the forum was 16 year old Nunka-Wa-Ru Pearce from Dubbo.
His great grandmother was Oodgeroo Noonuccal, or Kath Walker the Australian poet, educator and lead campaigner in the 1967 referendum campaign.
This year marks 50 years since the historic vote, which saw more than 90 percent of Australians vote yes for equality.
Nunka-Wa-Ru Pearce says he’s proud to be following in the footsteps of his great grandmother.
“She was a really strong influence in the 67 campaign. I’ve only just started learning about it but I want to know more. I want to continue the work she did,” he said.
The participants will join a national network of Recognise Youth Representatives to raise awareness among young Australians.
Young voters aged 18-24 represent 12 per cent of the national electorate and will be critical to the success of a referendum on constitutional recognition.