FIRST NATIONS
REFERENDUM ORGANISING

The referendum has been called for Saturday 14th October. 

We believe that this referendum will set the tone and ambition for First Nations justice advocacy over the next decade. If we win a resounding Yes, then we can use the groundswell of public support to influence the political decisions that come next - on truth-telling, treaties, land rights, justice, housing, health, cultural heritage protection and more. 

In these final weeks, it’s critical that blackfullas across the country have the support they need to take action in their communities. 

That’s why we have pulled together a bunch of resources to support First Nations organisations, community groups and individuals to come together, learn, share, ask questions and have conversations with one another about the upcoming referendum.  

How to take action in your community

  • Need funding to host a community event, print campaign materials, organise a yarning circle or banner painting? Click here to apply for a small grant between $500 and $2000 to support community-led action for mob and by mob. 

  • Want to learn more about the #WriteYes campaign and how you can get involved? Join us for an online workshop on Tuesday 26th September, 6-8pm AEST, where you’ll have the chance to hear from the GetUp First Nations Justice team, RSVP here.

  • Want to have conversations in community about the referendum? We’re hosting another online workshop on ‘How to have conversations with your community about the referendum’. Join us next Thursday 14th September from 6-8pm AEST. RSVP here now. 

  • Get your hands on hard copies of the Passing The Message Stick resources by filling out this short form here and we’ll send you a package ASAP. Otherwise, check out the newly updated Passing The Message Stick website here, which includes all the resources from the latest messaging research on how to win the narrative on First Nations justice, now and beyond the referendum. 

  • If there are any key challenges you’re facing that we haven’t addressed, or ideas for other ways to support mob across the country, please get in touch by emailing info@australianprogress.org.au

  • And finally, please share with any other mob you think might be interested! 

FIRST NATIONS REFERENDUM RAPID RESPONSE GRANTS PROGRAM

While we were pulling the toolkit together, we reflected on the limited funding that has been available to First Nations communities to campaign, organise and mobilise on the referendum.

We had also heard time and time again that there needs to be more culturally safe spaces for mob to come together to learn, share and have yarns amongst one another - and in some cases, it’s access to funds that has been a barrier. 

That’s why we talked to our friends at the Australian Communities Foundation, and in partnership with GetUp, they have now opened applications for the First Nations Referendum Rapid Response Grants program to support community members to campaign and organise for a resounding Yes in the upcoming referendum and elevate the voices and leadership of First Nations advocates.  

One-off grants of between $500 and $2000 are now available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations, community groups and individuals undertaking initiatives that support community to come together, get access to information, resources and support to take action in the upcoming referendum. 

Whether you’re in Port Lincoln, the Pilbara, Papunya, Townsville, Shepparton or beyond, we want to make sure that mob all across the country have the opportunity to campaign, organise and mobilise their communities. 

So far, we’ve helped raise $25,000 from donors who believe in this important work and we hope to expand this pool of funds to support more community-led action over the coming weeks that will have ripple effects for years to come.  

That’s it for now but if you’re interested in hearing more, we’d love to catch up for a yarn and will keep you in the loop as more resources become available. 

Please forward this on and share with any other mob you think might be interested!