- Donnell Wallam has shown her support for the Yes vote
- The netballer was at the centre of a $15m sponsorship row
- Wallam joined fellow sport stars in backing the campaign
The netball star at the centre of the $15million sponsorship row with Gina Rinehart has shown her support for the Yes vote ahead of Saturday’s Voice to Parliament referendum.
Donnell Wallam, 29, sparked a firestorm last year when it was revealed she was uncomfortable with wearing the Diamonds jersey with the Hancock Prospecting logo on it over racist comments made by Mrs Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock, almost four decades ago.
Her team-mates backed her boycott call and the furious backlash saw Mrs Rinehart, 69, pull out of the $15m deal, sparking a financial crisis for Netball Australia.
And now Wallam, who went on to score the winning goal on debut against England, has expressed her support for the Yes vote, joining the likes of Nathan Cleary, Darcy Moore and Nicho Hynes in backing the campaign.
Donnell Wallam (L) was at the centre of a $15m sponsorship row with Gina Rinehart (R)
Wallam refused to wear a jersey with Rinehart’s company’s logo last year
The Voice Referendum aims to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution, creating an advisory body to get their input on policies.
According the Anthony Albanese‘s Government, a Yes vote would acknowledge heritage, promote inclusivity, address disparities and foster reconciliation.
Wallam posted on Instagram: ‘I’ve been holding off on sharing my stance on the voice, purely and selfishly to protect my mental health from the racist comments I now open myself up to, but I firmly believe I must use my platform for those I represent.
The 29-year-old revealed she is backing the Yes vote for Saturday’s referendum
‘I will be voting Yes.
‘Yes to being recognised.
‘Yes to being included.
‘Yes to being heard.
‘Yes to being seen beyond my sporting ability.
‘Yes to a better future for our mob.’
Premiership-winning captain Moore hit back at critics who tell athletes to keep their views to themselves.
‘Athletes are human beings and citizens of the country too so they can exercise their right and say what they want to say,’ he said.