August 6, 2024

Allyship Summit maps out next steps for the future of the Uluru Statement

UOW to host first national summit for continued allyship

On Thursday 8 August the University of Wollongong will host a gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and allies from across the country for the first National Allyship Summit, to champion continued allyship on the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart, first issued to the Australian public in 2017, represents the largest ever consensus of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on a meaningful model of reform.

Since the 2023 Voice for First Nations People referendum, Allies for Uluru have continued conversations on how to collectively support and continue to progress the Uluru Statement’s core principles – Voice, Treaty and Truth.

Led by The Fred Hollows Foundation, ANTAR, and Oxfam, and backed by a coalition of over 300 member organisations, the Allies for Uluru champions action that supports the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, articulated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

This year Allies for Uluru have partnered with the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, University of Wollongong, to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders on the journey forward and how allies can support.

UOW Vice-President of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement Jaymee Beveridge said: “We’re so proud to welcome the leaders from around the country to the first National Allyship Summit to the University campus.

“This summit will share ideas and hopes for healing and set us on the path towards realising the power of allyship and standing up for one another.”

Walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Allies for Uluru are dedicated to continuing the conversation and building support for the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Oxfam Chief Executive Lyn Morgain:

“The National Allyship Summit is a pivotal moment to unite in our commitment to the principles of Voice, Treaty, and Truth as articulated in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“Oxfam Australia has a strong, over 50-year history working as an ally with First Nations communities, and by fostering meaningful dialogue and building strong relationships, we continue to support and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, working together towards justice and equity.”

Fred Hollows Foundation Director of Social Justice and Regional Engagement Jaki Adams:

“The Fred Hollows Foundation’s commitment to working alongside our allies in implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart (Voice, Treaty, Truth) is unwavering. The Foundation has worked with and been guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 30 years, supporting their rights to sight, good health, and self-determination.

“Professor Fred Hollows exemplified allyship by speaking out against injustices and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and solutions.

“The National Allyship Summit provides an opportunity to discuss the necessary actions for allies to be accountable and demonstrate allyship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

ANTAR National Director Blake Cansdale:

“We say to our allies, stay the course and keep walking with us towards truth and justice. When the road is hard, this is when we must seize the opportunity to demonstrate real solidarity.”