Southern Highlands for YES spearheads National Walk for Yes in Bowral

That was according to Southern Highlands for YES supporter Suzannah Cowley, who said it was the first time residents in support of changing the Constitution to recognise Australia's First Peoples, had been able to gather in one group.

"I didn't realise how many people there were that are passionate about The Voice like me," Ms Cowley said.

"I saw so many people from the community that I knew, so it was just a really empowering opportunity. It was an important coming together."

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Ms Cowley described the event as a "respectful" meeting.

"We saw such diversity, from the young people who had homemade signs, that were leading the walk, to the older generations," she said.

"I think there was that sense that this really is a significant moment, and we were all wanting to find our voice and come together."

The event strengthened the ability of those who participated to have more conversations about "a really hard thing", according to Ms Cowley.

"I think many of us who were there, don't feel like [The Voice] is political at all," Ms Cowley said.

"It's something from the heart, like the Uluru Statement, which was really clear and no one wanted to be political.

"I think there was that understanding that it really is an invitation coming from First Nations People," she said.

Ms Cowley, a film maker and former journalist, said she had had the opportunity through her work to be present for important milestones.

"In our community that was the emerging Indigenous culture that we're starting to see, so the first cultural burn at Gibbergunya Reserve up behind Centennial Vineyards, which I filmed recently," she said.

"And then just what we've seen out at Highlands Fest, is expression of culture. It mimics the positivity we're seeing ... for that message that 'we're stronger together'."

That's why the Southern Highlands National Walk for Yes was "important", according to Ms Cowley.

She believes the grassroots support for the Constitution change is "very positive, and strong".

"There is such a positive energy there, and I have great confidence that we are heading in the right direction," Ms Cowley said.

"This vote is something that is simply between the Australian people and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"I have the sense that many people know that this is a conversation about what the future of Australia will look like," she said.

The Australian history being taught to Ms Cowley's teenage children is "very different" to what was taught to her, during her own school years.

"We saw that yesterday at the walk, and I hear it from them too," Ms Cowley said.

"They just simply say, 'there's no question, we absolutely believe First Nations people should have a voice'."

And that's a "wonderful inspiration" for Ms Cowley.

"I think a lot of us who walked were doing it for a better future Australia," she said.

"I would just encourage everyone to have more conversations, and go to the Yes23.com.au website because there's a lot of information out there."

Ms Cowley said she was hopeful of a "beautiful" lead up to the referendum on October 14.

"I think if everyone just votes from their heart I think that's the way to do it," she said.

ALSO READ: ANU Research Fellow Dr Virginia Marshall on voting 'Yes' for The Voice referendum and against fear-driven propaganda

An estimated 600 people turned out to walk from Bowral Pool to Bradman Oval in support of the 'Yes' vote for the referendum.

The crowd was made up of young and old with homemade signs and placards, along with YES campaign signs.

Bundjalung man, Djon Mundine OAM, gave the Acknowledgement to Country at the start of the walk before everyone slowly made their way to Bradman Oval.

Julia Zemiro hosted the event with local speakers including John Hewson, Stephen Jones, Dr Virginia Marshall, Rachel Russell, the Southern Highlands Reconciliation Group, and comedian Anthony Ackroyd.

ALSO READ: Southern Highlands for YES group to host National Walk for Yes Day

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