Meet an ally: Mary Hayman

Mary Hayman is a non-indigenous woman living in the Sutherland Shire, and a recently retired teacher. Her life has changed significantly since early 2023.

“I was at home one day, scrolling through Facebook when a post from my neighbour Trish popped up saying that there was going to be a meeting round the corner from us in the community garden hall,” Mary shared. The meeting was all about the Voice to Parliament referendum and it was specifically for those living in the local area. 

“Prior to this, I had watched the news and been on official websites, but in truth I felt at a loss or overwhelmed by all the hype and media attention,” Mary continued. “I wanted to learn more, so a meeting of people from the Shire appealed to me. Plus, I trusted Trish.”

While it is common to feel compassion for First Nations peoples from a distance, taking meaningful action often requires courage. Supported by a mutual acquaintance, Mary demonstrated that conviction by committing to attend. 

“Knowing I would see Trish there I went along and met two powerhouse women, Angela and Jodie, who wanted to use their passion for First Nations people’s rights to form a local group to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Voice to Parliament Referendum.

“Lots of people attended from all across the Shire. We were “smoked” and “welcomed” by a local Dharawal man (I had never knowingly met a local indigenous person before) and we shared our reasons for wanting to help First Nations people. After the event, I walked home feeling excited, hopeful and connected to something I felt would really make a difference,” she said. 

In the following months, Mary was invited to numerous events to build relationships with more local First Nations people to hear their points of view, which inspired her to read more and more about Country and its history. She has volunteered at events and taken action to be an ally to First Nations on dozens of occasions in the years since. 

In 2023, she thought the outcome was to win a referendum. “In 2026, I now know the outcome is that I have the support and love of my new true Australian family,” reflects Mary.