John Farnham, the Australian rock legend, has given his blessing for his iconic song, You’re the Voice, to be featured in a powerful campaign advertisement supporting the referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament.
The advertisement, aptly named You’re the Voice, was launched by the Uluru Dialogue, an organisation committed to advancing the Uluru Statement, aiming to inspire Australians to vote in favour of the referendum, which will take place on October 14.
With its captivating lyrics and uplifting melody, You’re the Voice has become somewhat of an anthem for many Australians since its release in 1986. The three-minute advertisement skill-fully combines Farnham’s timeless song with pivotal moments from Australian history.
It takes viewers on a journey, showcasing significant milestones such as the 1967 referendum recognising Aboriginal people in the Census, the Mabo decision, the America’s Cup victory, the Uluru handback, Cathy Freeman’s gold medal triumph, John Howard’s gun reform in 1996, the 2008 apology, and the marriage equality plebiscite.
The emotional impact of You’re the Voice accompanied by these historical moments radiates a powerful message: Australians have the extraordinary opportunity to shape the course of history by voting in the upcoming referendum.
Megan Davis, one of the co-chairs of the Uluru Dialogue, expressed her belief that the campaign’s impact will be profound, stating, “This will undoubtedly become the anthem of this campaign. John Farnham is an icon of Australian rock, and this song has become our unofficial national anthem.”
The advertisement, available in both long and short formats, aims to mobilise Australians through both television and social media platforms. Its goal is to capture the hearts and minds of the nation, encouraging them to support the Indigenous voice to parliament.
Listen to John Farnham on the free iHeart Radio now!