The Myer Foundation is proud to join an alliance of 31 of Australia’s leading trusts and foundations pledging $17 million to support Yes campaigns for Voice.

The philanthropic pledge calls for the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have a say in the matters that affect them through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Other signatories include the Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Besen Family Foundation, Perpetual, the Ross Trust, the Snow Foundation, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Australian Communities Foundation, CAGES Foundation, the Nelson Meers Foundation, Oranges & Sardines Foundation and many more.

Founding members of the pledge each agreed to make a significant initial donation, reflecting the scale of funding needed to achieve a positive referendum result. Additional signatories are now encouraged to join the pledge and contribute what they can.

The Myer Foundation is contributing $500,000 in support of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and the Uluru Dialogue (Indigenous Law Centre at UNSW), augmenting funding to Uluru Dialogue and From the Heart in recent years to help progress the Voice and the Uluru Statement.

Philanthropic Pledge to YES for Voice

For more than 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had a unique connection with the land, seas and waters across Australia.

This year, we have a historic opportunity to formally recognise First Nations peoples in the Constitution and ensure they have a say in the matters that affect them by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The vision for Voice emerged from nearly a decade of engagement, dialogue and consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is expressed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Now, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to a referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in this term of government.

This is an opportunity for all Australians to have their say, to unify and say YES to a better future for this country.

We say YES.

We pledge to financially supporting a YES campaign.

We give this support because this is a critical moment in Australia’s history. Because a YES vote is a vote for stronger communities. Because we are committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across these lands, seas and waters.

Working with First Nations-led organisations and programs around the country, we understand that the best outcomes emerge when the voices of those affected are heard.

We need to be guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences, learning side by side as we walk together towards our shared goals. A Voice guarantees a way do this as a nation.

Giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples a say in their future will make a positive and practical difference and will build a brighter future for all Australians. Join us in saying YES to Voice.

Photo credit: Dom O’Donnell, Australian Communities Foundation