Online multicultural resources and Voice town hall, Tuesday, 11 July, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.
Be informed to vote – 14 October 2023.
In an exciting collaboration between Life Without Barriers and Polaron Language Services, a comprehensive collection of over 45 multilingual translations has been released, providing vital information about the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum. These invaluable community resources aim to break down language barriers and ensure that all members of multicultural communities can actively participate in the referendum process.
Recognising the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, the translated resources span an impressive range of languages, catering to diverse communities. From বাাংলা to Deutsch, and हिन्दी to 한국어, individuals can access the necessary information in their preferred language.
By providing resources in such a wide variety of languages, Life Without Barriers and Polaron Language Services are demonstrating their commitment to embracing multiculturalism and ensuring that no one is left behind.
To disseminate the release of these resources and encourage engagement from multicultural communities, a special online event, Voting for the Voice - Multicultural Town Hall has been set.
This free online event takes place on Tuesday, July 11th, from 12 pm to 1 pm AEST. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals to learn more about the upcoming referendum and explore the resources available to them.
The town hall session features subject matter experts and community leaders including Thomas Mayo, Shireen Morris, Maria Dimopoulos, and Eva Hussain, who will shed light on the significance of constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through a Voice to Parliament.
In addition to discussing the referendum, the event will highlight the importance of voting for multicultural communities. Attendees will have the chance to gain valuable insights, ask questions, and provide feedback. By actively engaging in this dialogue, individuals can play an active role in their local communities and contribute to the broader democratic process.
To access the extensive range of resources available in different languages, interested individuals can visit the dedicated Voice to Parliament - Resources and Information hub. Here, they will find a wealth of materials, including factsheets, social media toolkits, videos, and more, all expertly translated to facilitate understanding and engagement.
To ensure accessibility for all, Auslan, Easy Read, and Simple Language resources have also been created, ensuring that people with different learning styles and abilities can access and comprehend the information effectively.
The release of these community-translated resources marks an important milestone in fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal participation in the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers, said this year, we will be asked to make an important decision about the Referendum and our goal is to ensure that regardless of language, linguistic competency, or cultural background, all Australians have access to information so they can make an informed decision on a Voice to Parliament.
“The upcoming Referendum will be a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Everyone deserves to understand what they are voting for and the significance of their decision.” Said Ms Robbs.
By empowering multicultural communities with the information they need, Life Without Barriers and Polaron Language Services are taking a significant step towards creating a more equitable and informed society.
Let's spread the Voice in every language and celebrate the diversity that makes our nation stronger!
The Speakers
Eva Hussain
Eva Hussain is a prominent expert in the fields of language services and European citizenship. She is the founder of Polaron and plays an active role in the global development of the company.
Eva is a certified practising translator and interpreter, as well as an examiner and a member of NAATI’s Regional Advisory Council.
She is a member of various networks and boards, including the Victorian Refugee Health Network, Southern Homelessness Services Network and the Association of Polish Jews.
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.
Maria Dimopoulos Maria Dimopoulos is an activist who works to promote women's rights, eliminate family violence and increase cross-cultural awareness. Maria has worked across all tiers of government advocating for human rights and social justice-informed policy responses, areas that have been a lifelong passion and professional commitment.
Her extensive relationships and deep knowledge of many communities represented across multicultural Australia ideally position her to recognise the unique future opportunities for organisations.
Maria is active in many community groups that seek to address the issues confronting migrant and refugee women.
Shireen Morris
Shireen Morris researches, teaches and publishes in constitutional law and constitutional reform, Indigenous constitutional recognition, as well as public law more generally, specialising in the concept of a First Nations constitutional voice.
Her research includes work on free speech and the implied freedom of political communication, Australian republicanism, Australian monetary sovereignty and challenges of political polarisation, social media and democratic decline.
Thomas Mayo
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Indigenous Officer of the MUA.
Thomas is a signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and 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; published 17 May 2023.
We thank Polaron, Reconciliation Australia, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and Yes23, for their commitment to breaking down language barriers and promoting equitable participation!
