Carla Rogers is a community engagement specialist, facilitator, and program designer dedicated to Closing the Gap. After a Churchill Fellowship in 2001, she founded Evolve in 2005 and later joined forces with Aunty Munya. Blending Elder wisdom with world-class facilitation, she equips non-Indigenous Australians with the skills to become passionate and effective Allies to First Nations people.
The other day, my daughter Talise, 18 and voting for the first time, asked me how to find good information about the candidates in our area. I said, a tad impatiently, “Just look it up online,” thinking it’d be straightforward.
It wasn’t.
We searched government sites, social media, local news—and still struggled to find a clear, trustworthy picture. She was frustrated. I was surprised.
That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me how hard it can be to make informed, values-aligned choices, especially during an election year. And it made me ask myself:
How do I show up as a good Ally in 2025?
It’s Easy to Feel Overwhelmed
With everything else competing for our attention—cost of living, housing stress, economic uncertainty—it’s easy to feel tired. And to wonder where Reconciliation and Allyship fits in.
But Aunty Munya and I keep coming back to this:
Reconciliation isn’t separate from these challenges.
It’s part of how we meet them—with values, respect, and even hope.
Practical Ways to Practice Allyship This Election Year
So we sat down and had a yarn. Here’s what we came up with—some simple, meaningful ways to practise Allyship in 2025:
1. Do your research.
Find out what issues and projects matter most to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—or check what national leaders are calling for.
2. Talk about it.
Share what you’re learning with family, friends, or on social media if that’s your space. Even one conversation can spark change.
3. Get to know your local candidates.
What are they saying (or not saying) about First Nations justice and equity?
4. Speak up if you get the chance.
Whether it’s a candidate forum, a street stall, or a conversation—raise one issue you care deeply about and can speak to with confidence.
5. Counter misinformation.
If you manage platforms, report harmful content. On personal channels, share from trusted First Nations voices.
6. Respect privacy and cultural load.
Don’t assume how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends or colleagues are voting—or that they want to talk about it. Ask gently. Listen deeply.
7. Be guided.
Let the wisdom of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and organisations you trust help inform your decisions.
This Isn’t About Telling Anyone How to Vote
It’s about staying connected to our values—and remembering that Allyship is something we bring to every part of life, including politics.
If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone.
But the fact you’re still showing up and asking the question?
That’s Allyship in action.
Join our community of Allies
Let’s show our Indigenous brothers and sisters that we are here for them, we value their Voices and we are committed to continuing the journey towards Reconciliation.
