The Sydney Convicts were founded on the ideals of providing a safe space for members of the gay and inclusive community to come together to play rugby.

Our club has always been committed to building an inclusive community for all individuals, and we have always worked with our partners to create a level playing field.

That is why the Sydney Convicts committee is standing behind the Yes campaign for an Indigenous voice to Parliament.

This is a vote about unity, not division, something that the queer community knows a little something about.

When there was a public vote about our lives, the majority of Australians had our backs, and now it's time for us to do the same.

The bottom line is that the Indigenous community is still plagued by social and economic inequality. The playing field could and should be more level and the Voice could be the start of addressing this inequality.

We stand strong with Rugby Australia who has issued a similar call to action, with their board also supporting the Yes Campaign.

We all win when our country is united and we must take every opportunity to close the gap which still separates so many of us.

The Convicts have been fortunate to have had many outstanding Indigenous players amongst our ranks and it is from them that we draw inspiration in supporting the Voice.

Siupeli Haukoloa-Paea (Soopz), a proud Kaurareg man of Kaiwalagal and Zenadth Kes, said, “To my non-Indigenous brothers and sisters, history has shown many sides of ugliness, however you have shown kindness and love for my people; exhibited in the 1967 referendum, when you voted ‘YES’ and made my people citizens of Australia.

“Today, I ask you to continue that love and kindness, by once again voting ‘YES’ to give my people a VOICE, and the right to self-determination. It is time for a makarrata, where we come together after a struggle. As it states in the Uluru Statement From The Heart, “We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. We can only move forward together!”

The Convicts strongly recommend to all in our community to take the time out to find out what the Voice to Parliament means.

If you don’t know, then find out. There are multiple resources online through government channels or reach out to an Indigenous member of our community. Find out what the Voice means before you vote.

Socials caption: The Sydney Convicts were founded on the ideals of providing a safe space for members of the gay and inclusive community to come together to play rugby.

Our club has always been committed to building an inclusive community for all individuals and that is why the Sydney Convicts committee is standing behind the Yes campaign for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.