Media release: The Walk – Step Up Together

Chair of Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas) the Hon Peter Gutwein will undertake a challenging 350 km walk in June from MRC Tas Burnie office to MRC Tas Glenorchy office over seven days (~50km per day) to raise awareness and funds for a more inclusive and compassionate Tasmania.

Mr Gutwein said The Walk, Step up Together aims to showcase the importance of Tasmania’s migrant and refugee communities to the State’s social and economic well- being, and to generate a positive conversation across the State of the contribution they make.

“Forty percent of Tasmanians are from a migrant background and with over 150 languages in Tasmania, 1 in 5 families speak a language other than English at home. Yet despite this, and the fantastic contribution that migrants and refugees quietly make to our state, MRC Tasmania is seeing too many reports of racist behaviour in our communities, which si unacceptable,” he said.

The Walk is a symbolic challenge of the broad range of challenges faced by our migrant and refugee communities, and an opportunity to showcase the strength of diversity in our state, and that by being inclusive we are economically and socially better off.

“We are calling on Tasmanian organisations and Tasmanians to get behind this cause and join The Walk community, with an aim to raise a minimum of $50,000 to increase education, awareness and support to build a more harmonious community.”

Mr Gutwein said he was thrilled by the support already shown for the initiative by a range of organisations, including Hazell Bros, the Jack Jumpers, Incat, Tasmanian Devils, Football Tasmania, Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Tasmania Police, just to name a few.

“These organisations have told me how their own employees from migrant and refugee communities have helped to improve their businesses, and we are so pleased to have them join The Walk community to support the initiative, amplify the positive message and share their stories,” he said.

“Each leg of The Walk will see members of Tasmania’s migrant community join in and share their stories. “We know that diverse and inclusive communities are more innovative, creative and productive, and racist behaviour not only causes immense trauma to individuals, but also hurts our state significantly.

“We’re encouraging all Tasmanians to step up for The Walk. Because when we sep up together, we step forward together.”

The Walk will take place from Sunday 9 June to Sunday 16 June, departing from the MRC Tas Burnie office and finishing at the MRC Tas Glenorchy office. MRC Tas is encouraging Tasmanian businesses and Tasmanians to support the cause by joining The Walk community, where they can donate online via www.mrctas.org.au.

For media information and to RSVP please contact Barb McGregor (McGregor Associates) 0429 002 769 or email barbara@mcgregorassociates.com.au.