Former Liberal MP Pat Farmer has finished his 14,500-kilometre run in support of the Voice to parliament with a passionate call from Uluru for Australians to vote Yes in the referendum on Saturday.
Having started in Tasmania six months ago – and worn through 14 pairs of shoes since – the ultramarathon runner completed the final 10 kilometres of his journey at Uluru at sunrise today, where he was met by a group including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
"Big country, a hell of a journey, but one that's probably the most worthwhile journey in my life. I feel this is my purpose, this and everything I have ever done in the past has added up to this point of time," Farmer said.
He called on Australians to take the time to read up on the Voice proposal before heading to the ballot box on Saturday, while also encouraging people around the country to "know and understand" Indigenous culture.
"Simply read the question and the Uluru statement," he said.
"If you read those two things, you can't possibly go any other way (than voting Yes)."
Farmer, who represented the Liberals in federal parliament for nine years, said he cried when he saw Uluru and recognised the significance of the moment.
"My eyes connected with my soul when I saw it and I felt my purpose in life," he told reporters.
How Australia voted in all 44 of the nation's referendums
Farmer isn't the only one to have teared up at Uluru over the past 24 hours.
Albanese also broke down on Tuesday night during an "Inma" ceremony when traditional owners sang, danced and presented him with a copy of the Statement from the Heart.
Speaking this morning, the prime minister said he hoped Farmer's run would inspire Australians to support the Voice.
"An absolute inspiration for a guy who has run over 14,000 kilometres," Albanese said.
"What we're hoping Australians do isn't run 14,000km, just walk a few feet into a polling booth, and write three letters: Y-E-S."
He said there was "nothing to fear, everything to gain" from voting Yes.
Opinion polls, however, continue to suggest the referendum will struggle to gain enough support to be carried in Saturday's vote.
