Media releases

The Ballarat community will next week have the opportunity to learn more about reconciliation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and Voice, Treaty, and Truth, from local and national First Nations leaders and a leading authority in reconciliation.

The National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice at Federation University Australia will host ‘In Conversation with Thomas Mayo’ on 13 August where the community can hear from the signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and leading advocate in the 2023 Referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Thomas Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal, and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. He is the National Assistant Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia and an award-winning author of seven best-selling books.

Joining Thomas for the discussion will be Sheree Lowe, a Member for the South West Region of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Deb Lowah Clark, a First Nations educator who works in educational leadership, and Professor Andrew Gunstone, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation at Federation University, and Co-Chair Reconciliation Victoria.

The event is being held in partnership with the Ballarat Reconciliation Action Network, which comprises Ballarat Community Health, Central Highlands Water, Child and Family Services Ballarat, City of Ballarat, Federation University Australia, and Women’s Health Grampians

‘In Conversation with Thomas Mayo’ will be held from 5.30 – 7.30pm on 13 August at Theatre T001, SMB Campus, Federation University, 107 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat.

The event is free for members of the public to attend but spaces are limited. To register for the event visit https://shorturl.at/Q9SIC.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation, Professor Andrew Gunstone

“We are delighted to welcome Thomas Mayo, Sheree Lowe and Deb Lowah Clark to share their insights into the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Voice, Treaty, and Truth, and reconciliation, with the Ballarat community.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to gain a greater understanding of these critical issues and strengthen their commitment to being genuine and strong allies.”