Esther is an Aboriginal Elder who is passionate about addressing social justice issues and the lack of equity for Aboriginal people in Australia. Esther is involved in national committees including the World Pride Committee, Human Rights and Diversity Committee and Racism and Oppression Awareness Committee. As a volunteer for the Yes23 campaign, Esther has been having local and national conversations about the upcoming referendum and what a Voice to Parliament means for First Nations people. “For me, it’s about elevating Aboriginal voices in a way we’ve never been able to” says Esther. Esther says the most important thing is for all Australians to move forward and work together, not going over old hurts and events from history. She says for the Voice to be effective; it will need quality people put forward and she would like to see these fed up from the regions, including the Pilbara where she is from. Esther says we need to be having conversations with each other about the Voice so everyone can make an informed decision. For her, she will be voting “yes” so that her people will have a mechanism for providing feedback on issues that directly affect them. It was a privilege to have Esther talking to staff in an open and non-judgemental environment and for Esther to share some of the amazing work she has been doing as a leader, advocate and activist in her community.
Housing Choices is on the hunt for any tenants who enjoy writing from across the country to feature in our 2023 Annual Report and other Housing Choices communications. We’re looking for all kinds of stories, including subjects of your choosing such as; a short tale, a story of your life, interviews, or pieces highlighting a particular hobby, interest, or a passion of yours. Stories need to be between either 150-200 words or 350-500 words with selected writers receiving a $100 voucher for 150-200 words or a $200 voucher for 350-500 words. To submit your story or if you have an idea you’d like to discuss or would like more information, please contact communications @hcau.org.au. Submissions close Friday 4 August. Pen your story for a chance to win!
Above: Esther with General Manager Nat Sangalli.
Following on from Reconciliation Week in May and its theme of being a voice for generations, Housing Choices WA welcomed tenant and Aboriginal Elder, Esther, into the Rivervale office to talk to staff about the Voice to Parliament. Later this year all Australians will be asked to cast their vote as to whether Australia should change the constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The Voice would be an independent and permanent advisory body that would give advice to the Australian Government on matters that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Staff hear from Elder about the Voice to Parliament
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