Chair of Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas) the Hon Peter Gutwein will undertake a 350-kilometre walk in June from the MRC Tas Burnie office to the MRC Tas Glenorchy office over seven days (~50km per day) to raise awareness and funds for a more inclusive and compassionate lutruwita/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 wellbeing, and highlight the unacceptable increase in anecdotal reports of racism in the State.
“Forty percent of Tasmanians are from a migrant background and with 175 languages in Tasmania, 1 in 5 families speak a language other than English at home. Yet despite this, MRC Tasmania is seeing an alarming increase in anecdotal reports of racist behaviour in our communities, which is unacceptable,” he said.
“The Walk aims to bring attention to the challenges faced by our migrant and refugee communities, and is an opportunity to showcase the strength of diversity in our State. An inclusive Tasmania is a better Tasmania.
“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 $100,000 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, 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 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 together. Because when we step 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 individuals to support the cause by joining The Walk community, where they can donate online via https://www.givenow.com.au/thewalk
For media information and to RSVP please contact Barb McGregor (McGregor Associates) 0429 002 769 or email barbara@mcgregorassociates.com.au.