Crowd takes step towards change at Walk for Yes rally

Community members from Greater Shepparton, Seymour, Euroa, Benalla and Kyabram held signs, banners and Aboriginal flags in a proud show of support.

Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group co-convenor Dierdre Robertson described the day as positive and uplifting — mirrored in the campaigners’ hope to change the constitution to include a First Nations voice in matters that affect them.

“We’re looking forward to a different future for this country — a future where we all support a fair go, and we make sure that everyone comes along rather than as it is now, where the disparity is quite shocking in some areas,” she said.

“It’s important to be thinking about the sort of country we want to be — a country that leaves people behind or a country that focuses on fairness, equity and inclusion.”

Ms Robertson said the walk sent an important message to the First Nations community.

“(First Nations people are) valued. We recognise their unique status in this country; we recognise what they contribute to this society,” Ms Robertson said.

“Also, the other aspect, what I consider quite humbling, after all this history — the settlement and colonisation of this country — the Uluru Statement was cast as an invitation to share culture and history.

“It’s really up to us. Do we just ignore that invitation, or do we step up and accept it with the grace it was offered?”