Local reconciliation group, ANTaR Armidale, is excited to announce the visit to Armidale of one of the key signatories to the Uluru Statement from the Heart on Monday 28th August.
Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal, Kalkalgal and Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man, who has spent the last six years travelling the country to share and explain the message of the Uluru Statement to the Australian people. Mr Mayo will be speaking at the Town Hall at an event co-sponsored by ANTaR and the Northern Tablelands for Yes group. “An Evening with Thomas Mayo” aims to provide information about the proposal to enshrine the First Nations Voice in the constitution, and address questions and concerns anyone might have.
Convenor of ANTaR Armidale, Diana Eades, is encouraging people to come along, whether they are thinking of voting “yes” or “no”, or they are unsure about how they will vote.
“Thomas Mayo is a calm, thoughtful and knowledgeable Indigenous man, with years of experience talking to a wide range of audiences and individuals”, she said.
“He is a very popular speaker, and we have nothing to fear, and plenty to learn, from welcoming him to Armidale and listening and talking to him.”
Local Aboriginal woman Jill Ahoy heard Mr Mayo speak at a work conference.
“Listening to what he had to say about the Voice to Parliament, he inspired, moved and put a fire in my belly to tell others like my family, friends and work colleagues about him and the referendum,” Ms hoy said.
Mr Mayo has also accepted an invitation from Rose Lovelock, Director of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place to participate in a Yarning Circle with members of the Aboriginal community.
Mr Mayo has written several books: the latest is the best-seller The Voice to Parliament Handbook – All the Detail You Need, (co-authored with Kerry O’Brien). In the book he sets out the background to the Voice, and why it is important to “recognise Indigenous peoples as the first peoples of Australia”, and to “ensure that when decisions are made about us, as a distinct people, that we have an opportunity to have a say”.
The evening with Thomas Mayo is in the Armidale Town Hall on Monday 28th August, from 5.15, with 5.30 start. It will finish with light refreshments around 7.15pm.
Book your free ticket for the event here:
https://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-with-thomas-mayo
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Support now