History is Calling in Fremantle

An important panel discussion hosted by the City of Fremantle to explore the Voice to Parliament will now be live-streamed.

After booking out in less than 24 hours, the Fremantle Arts Centre First Nations panel discussion will be live-streamed via YouTube to allow more people to experience the evening.   

'DISCLOSURE: History is Calling' will bring together cultural ambassadors, academics and emerging leaders on Tuesday 13 June from 6pm to discuss the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through a Voice to Parliament.

The free event will see over 300 people attend in person for an insightful evening at Fremantle Arts Centre moderated by First Nations Advocate Emma Garlett and live-streamed for more people to experience.  

The panel features Danjoo Koorliny (Walking Together) Co-Director Carol Innes, Supreme Court Principal Associate and 2018 Miss NAIDOC Sophie Coffin, UWA Indigenous Studies Senior Lecturer and writer Dr Stephen Gilchrist and law graduate Tyson McEwan.

The Voice to Parliament would see the establishment of an independent and permanent advisory body to give advice to the government on matters that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said 'DISCLOSURE: History is Calling' was a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the Voice.

“By providing events like this, we’re helping to create opportunities for a safe and open discussion on the Voice so our community can make an informed vote on the referendum later this year,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.  

The discussion will explore the legal, cultural and social complexities and the benefits of a Voice to Parliament, which was an ambition outlined in the Makarrata: The Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017.

“Fremantle Arts Centre is the perfect backdrop for this event to encourage open community discussion, education and awareness on the Voice,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“There is a clear community demand for informative conversations about the Voice, with 300 people registering in the first 24 hours for this event and a growing waitlist. 

“The live-streaming will allow for more of our community to listen to the discussion. However, we’re also asking for people to please get in touch with FAC if they can no longer make the event so that their ticket can be given to somebody on the waiting list.”

The panel discussion is just one of several events the City of Fremantle is providing for the community to learn more about the upcoming national referendum.

Cultural Educator Joe Collard will host a series of free community drop-in sessions on Saturday 17 June and 1 July at Fremantle Leisure Centre and at the East Fremantle Town Hall on 24 June from 10am–12pm.

In the lead up to NAIDOC Week, the City will host a community celebration on Tuesday 27 June from 3–5pm at Fremantle PCYC with live performances, music, kids activities, bushtucker and educational materials on the Voice Referendum.

The cultural activities will continue across NAIDOC Week with art classes, kids storytime and a Buster play session.

In September, a photography installation documenting the early history of Aboriginal people in Walyalup (Fremantle) will be on display at the Fremantle History Centre to encourage conversation.

The display will be focused on local Aboriginal history and Elders who have advocated for change.

'DISCLOSURE: History is Calling' will be live-streamed on Tuesday 13 June from 6.15pm at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Br3HtogjcY.

To be added to the event waiting list, or to let us know if you can no longer attend the event, please email [email protected].

Visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/whatson for more info.