Voice to Parliament referendum: Australia votes no

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as an opportunity for every Australian "to be a part of making history".

On this referendum day, Saturday October 14, Australians were asked to decide if they approve of a proposed alteration to the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the parliament and the executive government. In the end that decision was 'no'.

Australia votes no. Campaigners celebrating at Shortland pub.

The Voice. Picture by Marina Neil

Picture shows Gareth Wastell, left, and Brock Malone, right at Raymond Terrace Public School for The Voice referendum. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum at Raymond Terrace Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

Shobanah Brind at East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

Fred Machain enjoying a referendum BBQ breakfast at East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

The line this morning at East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

East Maitland. Picture by Marina Neil

The Voice referendum. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. MP Sharon Claydon at Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. MP Sharon Claydon at Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. MP Sharon Claydon at Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum at Raymond Terrace Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum at Raymond Terrace Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

Canteen helpers Liana McKay, and Alex Wastell at Raymond Terrace Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

The Voice referendum. Hamilton Public School. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

Kurri Kurri Public: Matt Cole and Lake Cole, 6. Picture by Marina Neil

Macauley Blissett and Campbell Knox. Picture by Marina Neil

Kathy Coombe and Damo Cotten at Gillieston Heights Community Hub. Picture by Marina Neil

You can read more about the Voice here:

• The Yes case for a Voice to Parliament
  
• The No case for a Voice to Parliament
  
• Hunter Aboriginal leader: 'This is a social justice issue'
  
• Academic says we will regret rejecting Aboriginal recognition
  
• I live in the bush and I'm voting 'yes'
  

Newcastle Herald journalists and photographers recorded this significant moment in Australia's history live from around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. The blog included updates from across the region, photos, videos, the result and a wrap-up of the day:

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