Function to recognise 40 years since 1967 Referendum

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) will recognise the 40th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum at a function tomorrow night (Wednesday 6 June 2007).

The University's Indigenous Education Centre is hosting the function on behalf of the USQ Vice Chancellor, Professor Bill Lovegrove.

'The 1967 referendum saw more than 90% of eligible Australians vote YES to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the national census of the population and to give the Commonwealth Government power to make specific laws in respect of Indigenous people,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'This was a very significant event in Australian history and it is only fitting that we acknowledge this anniversary, which also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the University and the 21st anniversary of the Indigenous Education Centre at USQ.'

John Williams-Mozley is the Director of Indigenous Education at USQ and said the function will include a traditional welcome to country and a cocktail reception for more than 100 people, including many local dignitaries.

'2007 Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Kaye Price, will also share her recollections of the referendum; recall the impacts on indigenous people at the time and give an account of her experience and memories of the event,' Mr Williams-Mozley said.

'Dr Price is a lecturer in education and community studies at the University of Canberra and has published, in collaboration with others, extensive material for use in teaching Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies.

'She is also one of the original team members who reported on What Works: Explorations in improving outcomes for Indigenous students and in 2007 is working with a team of Aboriginal educators taking What Works to the Higher Education sector.'

Mr Williams-Mozley was 16 at the time of the referendum and said the biggest achievement of the referendum was the uniting of people from all over the nation to improve the state of Indigenous affairs.

'The greatest achievement was rallying all of the people at that time to get together. There were pockets of people from every state enticing Australian citizens vote "yes" to the amendments. We have to be grateful for that.

'It's somewhat less positive in terms of whether or not there have been any significant movements or achievements since that referendum.'

The function will be held in the Indigenous Education Centre Courtyard at USQ from 4:30pm to 7pm.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559