Walk for Yes rally: Tens of thousands attend Melbourne march

A huge crowd of Yes supporters flocked to the CBD on Sunday afternoon as Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett urged people not to waste the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

Tens of thousands of Melburnians have marched in support of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament as Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett calls on all Australians to vote yes.

Scores of supporters marched down Swanston St and streamed into Federation Square on Sunday afternoon for the Walk for Yes rally, with many sporting bold placards and colourful T-shirts.

Victoria Police said 30,000 people were in attendance, but organisers said up to 60,000 flocked to the city to support the yes campaign.

The roaring crowd were treated to performances from several musicians who are backing the Voice, including Garrett, former AFL player Marlon Motlop and award-winning songwriter Gretta Ray.

The crowd at Melbourne’s Walk for Yes rally. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Garrett urged those at the rally to talk to their family and friends – who were yet to decide their position on the Voice – and encourage them to vote yes.

“We will be voting yes when the time comes,” he declared to the crowd.

“Countries only get to make decisions like this once in a lifetime.

“It’s a decision that I think all of us know cannot be wasted.

“It must be understood as one of the most important things, as a fair nation, we can ever do.”

Peter Garrett says he will be voting yes when the time comes. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Aussie rock band Midnight Oil has actively advocated for Indigenous rights for decades.

Garrett performed its hit song The Dead Heart, which was released back in 1988 to raise awareness of the Stolen Generations.

It was recorded for the handing back ceremony of Uluru to its traditional Aboriginal owners.

But less than a month out from the October 14 referendum, Garrett tweaked one of the lyrics.

People sported bold placards and colourful T-shirts at the rally. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It’s time for decision now,” the former federal Labor MP sang out.

Thousands of Australians across the country took part in the Walk for Yes rally on Sunday, flooding city streets in solidarity with the yes campaign.

During the rally, the crowd were asked how they were going to vote with a resounding “yes” shouted in response.

The march kicked off at the State Library, where John Farnham’s You’re the Voice blasted through the speakers.

Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney addressed the Melbourne crowd ahead of the performances, saying the country must embrace the opportunity to “move forward” as one.

“History is truly calling us,” she said.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus at the Melbourne event. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“You can write the next chapter in this nation’s story.

“We know (a Voice) will lead to better outcomes because we know that listening to Indigenous Australians delivers better outcomes for Indigenous Australians.”

Ms Burney said she was “speechless” and “almost crying” to witness the number of people in attendance.

Respected Aboriginal leader Aunty Jill Gallagher told the crowd a Voice will give Indigenous communities “hope”.

“It will give us real standing in this country,” she said.

“80 per cent of Indigenous communities support the Voice.

“My hope is that 80 per cent of Australians will support the Voice.”