Thursday, 8 August is International Allyship Day.
This special day was established last year, ironically just a matter of weeks before the referendum which failed to give Indigenous Australians a Voice to Parliament.
Coming out of the referendum, and having had time to digest the result, a group of organisations and individuals felt it was time to put the disappointment of 14 October 2023 behind us, and to regroup, aiming for a brighter future by working together towards a common goal.
Leading the way are the Allies for Uluru who have joined forces with the University of Wollongong’s Woolyungah Indigenous Centre to present the first National Allyship Day Summit.
As a Friend of Woolyungah, I’m excited to be a part of the organising group and keen to establish this summit as a significant annual event on our calendar.
The impressive list of speakers include 2024 Wollongong Citizen of the Year, Aunty Barbara Nicholson; Voice advocate and author, Thomas Mayo; 2021 NSW Australian of the Year and social justice advocate, Craig Foster; South Coast Labour Council leader, Arthur Rorris; 2023 Australian of the Year Local Hero, Amar Singh; and leading public health advocate, Dr Summer May Finlay.
The summit will bring back together many of the Illawarra locals who campaigned so passionately for a Yes vote during 2023. The event will explore key themes of Voice, Treaty and Truth and how allies can support the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
"Through this event we will aim to foster collaboration, understanding, and solidarity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and ally organisations in pursuit of recognition and justice," said Michael Anderson from the Allies for Uluru.
The four main objectives of the summit are to:
- Raise Awareness: Increase awareness and understanding of the concept of allyship and its significance in supporting justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
- Build Dialogue: Facilitate meaningful dialogue and engagement between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous participants on the Uluru Statement;
- Build Community: Create a supportive and inclusive space for networking, learning, and collaboration among participants committed to allyship on the Uluru Statement.
- Inspire Action: Inspire attendees to take concrete actions to continue their allyship efforts in advocating for Voice, Treaty and Truth and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice.
Executive Director of Indigenous Strategy at UOW’s Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, Jaymee Beveridge, said Allyship Day presented an opportunity to bring people together to recognise the importance of standing up for one another, fostering inclusivity, and building bridges of support and understanding.
"Allyship is about being a friend, an advocate, and a source of solidarity and strength," Jaymee said.
Attendance at the summit is free and registrations are now open. Go to Allies for Uluru – International Day of Allyship (antar.org.au)