The Referendum of 27 May 1967 to alter Australia’s Constitution was a key moment in Australia’s history.

At the Referendum, 90.7% of Australian voters recorded a 'yes' vote for the following two questions:

1. Should the Commonwealth Government be allowed jurisdiction over Aboriginal people, a right hitherto given to the States?

2. Should people of Aboriginal descent be counted in the national census?

The long-overdue change, which came after nearly two hundred years of white settlement and over fifty five years of Federation, finally enabled Aboriginal people to be counted in the national census and to be subject to Commonwealth rather than just state laws.

In this way the indigenous people of Australia were, belatedly, acknowledged fully as citizens of the nation.

Anthony Albanese said, “To commemorate this important event, myself, John Murphy MP and the Ashfield ALP Councillors are holding a special screening of Ten Canoes, the film by Rolf de Heer and the citizens of Ramingning.”

The screening will be opened by Linda Burney MP, Member for Canterbury and first Aboriginal woman to be elected to NSW Parliament.

Details are as follows:


Sunday 27 May at 3.30 pm


Polish Club


73 Norton St, Ashfield


$20/$10 concession $40 family


The Polish club will provide drinks at club prices.

Further details contact Clr Mark Drury of Ashfield Council on 9797 2495.

Many thanks go to the Palace Cinema and the Polish Club for their support of this event.