Sydney Parliament House 

Meeting famous Aboriginal Politician

On Monday 24 July a once in a lifetime experience was given to 3 privileged Year 10 Students, Cathleen Do, Vyannah Phu and Kosta Tsoukalas to meet the famous  female aboriginal politician, Linda Burney.

These three students, along with students from other selected schools, were given the opportunity to attend Sydney Parliament House.   

After a briefing about Parliament House,  they spent the day listening and participating in insightful discussions with a one-on-one presentation by Linda Burney as well as gain an extensive insight into the 1967 referendum. 

This referendum allowed the Aboriginal and Torres Straight people to be counted in the census, including the change of laws affecting Aboriginals to be nation-wide rather than state wide.   This happened to be one of the most successful referendums in Australian history, with a colossal 90.77% of yes votes.

Towards the end of the day students were split into groups with a group leader where they were given primary source sheets and with the help of of a group leader played a game relevant to the day.  

Kosta Tsoukalas, Year 10