Each year as January 26 draws near, conversations at the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Sydney's west turn towards what the day means for mob in their community.
"The 26 is our day where we can all come together and meet with all our family, all our different tribes that come here," Aunty Rita Wright told NITV.
But in the wake of the failed Voice to Parliament referendum last October, concern among the Elders group at Baabayn have turned towards the community's wellbeing.
They say since the no vote succeeded, racism has been rife in their community.
"Racism is really alive and out there since the no vote has got up," Aunty Kathy Donnelly told NITV News.
"The negativity is still out there, it didn't stop just because the new year started. The negativity is still there," Aunty Sandra Hicky added.
A place to heal
Western Sydney is home to the country's largest population of Indigenous people.
The Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation acts as a sanctuary for mob there, while connecting community to essential services and support programs.
"They run a lot of programs out here that help a lot of our young mums and young kids ... it's really fundamental to our community," Aunty Sandra Hicky said.
Ngemba Muruwari woman Aunty Rita Wright said the no vote last year came as a devastating shock to her.
When the results showed an overwhelming majority of Australians had voted no, their disappointment was palpable.
"I was in bed for two days," Aunty Rita said.
"Everybody was saying they're doing this and doing that but it didn't come the way we wanted it."
'We've got to come together'
But despite the disappointment, Aunty Kathy Donnelly says it's made the community stronger.
"All we can do now is be stronger and build allies and move forward," the Uralaroi woman said.
"We didn't lose anything because we didn't have anything to lose to begin with."
"We've gotta laugh, and show people that no matter the disappointment we're still happy people and we're going to move on and be strong in all of this."
For Ngemba and Muruwari woman Aunty Rita Wright, the defeat has not dimmed her hopes for the future.
"I hope we have a good year this year and listen to each other."
"It's time to come together as a nation and if it's going to work let them all talk but just be there and ask questions."
"All you have to know is the truth."
