A statement from Mayor Hadi Saab regarding the Voice referendum and reconciliation:
After observing the week of silence following the Voice Referendum, I want to acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for many in our community.
On a personal level, I am deeply saddened by the outcome, but I was pleased to see that local support for the Voice was strong.
The result does not impact the City of Kingston’s commitment to reconciliation or on our local action including our support of the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place in Mordialloc.
We will continue to listen to and work with our First Nations community members and we acknowledge that First Nations people have a rich and continuous connection to this area.
It’s now essential to move away from the rancour of the last few months and pause, reflect, connect, heal, and move forward together.
We confirm, in the strongest possible terms, our continuous commitment to work through our Reconciliation Action Plan.