The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) launched a documentary on Monday titled ‘Come Walk With Us’, which urged viewers at the University of Wollongong to vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming referendum on the voice to parliament.
The film was centred around the journey of MUA member and seafarer Vicki Morta, and her quest to become an advocate for the voice.
Upon her active involvement for ‘Yes’ campaign, Vicki Morta said her past experiences motivated her to do so.
“When I grew up in a little country town called Staff Johnson, and we had cross country, and we had little country towns, we had to go into town to race all the city towns,” Mrs. Morta said.
“I was 12 years old. I came first in this cross country, out of six schools. So, I stood up waiting for my trophy, and they never gave me my trophy.
“The girl who came second got my trophy. I didn’t understand why or what happened because I didn’t know about racism back then.
“That did not put hate into me. It just made me stronger to stand up, ignore that ignorance, and just keep fighting. And that’s what I’m going to keep doing now: fighting for a referendum and people wanting us to go out here,” she concluded.
One of the Maritime Union members Gaary Keane said he loved the documentary and was proud of the indigenous people.
“We’ve pushed for a long time for indigenous rights in this country for the referendum and the voice to parliament,” Mr Keane said.
“These people haven’t even been recognised in the constitution for over 100 years. For the first time, we’ll give the indigenous people in this country a voice in what happens to them and where they go.
“We’re more than happy with that and we’re encouraging everybody to get there and vote yes and we’ll be doing our best to get it up.”
Also at the event, alongside Vicki Morta, was prominent ‘Yes’ vote advocate Uncle Terry O’Shane, as well as other special guests, who shared their personal journeys and encouraged attendees to educate their friends and family about the importance of the Voice.
Video: Watch the documentary ‘Come Walk With Us’