Coffees and conversation about the Voice referendum

Ahead of National Reconciliation Week on the 25 May, the MDHS Student Experience team combatted the cold with free wattleseed hot chocolates, coffees, and giveaways, aimed at encouraging conversation among the MDHS and University of Melbourne community about reconciliation and the Voice referendum taking place this year.

Jessica Sturk, Indigenous Student Success Coordinator and the Faculty's broader Student Experience team gave away free ‘Yes’ campaign T-shirts to staff and students. Students could have their photo taken under the black-red and gold arch of streamers and post their image to Instagram to show support for the ‘Yes’ campaign, if they wished.

The team gave away all 450 shirts by 11:50am, and distributed the majority of the stickers and brochures.

“We want to create a safe and welcoming environment to engage our student community in the conversation about a Voice to Parliament ahead of the referendum,” said Alice Reid, Manager Student Experience.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and this year’s referendum is a historic moment for our Indigenous students. Events like the ‘Brewing for Unity’ free booth and coffee stand are an opportunity to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, to help them to feel welcome and supported in our MDHS and University of Melbourne community.