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The action was inspired by several refugee-led movements which last year saw asylum seekers walk and cycle thousands of kilometres across the country to bring awareness to the impacts of visa uncertainty.<\/p>\n
Already participants in the Big Walk 4 Refugees have travelled more than 31,000 kilometres.<\/p>\n
Ms Longmore said the walk was an opportunity to raise awareness and to try to capture the attention of politicians and show them “we’re still here and we’re not going away”.<\/p>\n
“It relies on more people in community speaking up to their parliamentarians and pushing and saying this is really important to us.<\/p>\n
“We voted for you because we thought you would do something for this group, and you haven’t, and we’ll have to think twice at the next election.”<\/p>\n
Participants will meet at 10am at the Queenscliff Marine Science Discovery Centre carpark at 2A Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff, where speakers will address the crowd.<\/p>\n
The group will then walk along the ‘Narrows’ rail trail through to Springs Beach, Point Lonsdale before returning along the same path to the Discovery Centre.<\/p>\n
Those attending are encouraged to bring signs to carry while they walk, as well as sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing.<\/p>\n
Registration for the walk is not necessary, and everyone is welcome to join the group for the walk.<\/p>\n
It follows a similar local gathering hosted by the Combined Refugee Action Group held last weekend at Geelong’s waterfront.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
COMMUNITY members on the Bellarine are preparing to gather this weekend for a 4km walk to show support to the more than 10,000 refugees across the country living in visa limbo. The event forms part of the inaugural Big Walk 4 Refugees, a nationwide, six-week virtual walk around Australia, marking one year since the federal […]<\/p>\n