In late 2023, Australians will vote in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice enshrined in the Constitution.

In the first of our new Views on the Voice series, Stanwell Park's Annette Sirec shares her story.

Growing up in the 1960s there were lessons at school about explorers, convicts and new settlers but nothing about our First People.

It wasn't until I worked on the Railway Stations – mainly at Erskineville near Redfern – that I came to know the Aboriginal community. 

One of my new friends would come to buy her train ticket with the most wonderful smile saying “My Sister” and I would reply “My Sister”; we would laugh together, she was so warm, generous and true to herself, always sharing and supportive of family. But there was also a lot of pain and hard times for her. 

I wanted to know more about Indigenous culture so over the past 20 years I have traveled to Darwin, the Tiwi Islands, the Daintree rainforest and more. I listen to Indigenous storytelling, music and language. I have felt so included and welcomed with smoking ceremonies I find so wonderful. 

But I have also seen the price of fresh food, the poor housing and the lack of medical assistance. I’ve been told by old Aunties how they hid their children so they would not be taken away.

We need to Say Yes to a better future for All Australians Together.

This is such an important moment for Australia and for recognising First Nations culture.

Giving Aboriginal people a voice over their own future. I want this for our country. 

Fine more information and a booklet at the Australian Government website, Voice.gov.au

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