Mansfield to walk for peace

GREENS MP Sarah Mansfield will lead a 41km Walk for Peace in Geelong this month, promoting non-violence and calling for alternatives to military conflict.

The 41km distance reflects the length of Gaza’s coastline, with the route set along Geelong’s waterfront.

Starting at Eastern Beach at 8am, walkers will head to Limeburner’s Point, complete a loop along the foreshore to Rippleside Beach and St Helen’s Park, before returning by 6pm.

Participants can join Dr Mansfield for the full walk or part of the distance. At 1pm, there will be speakers, refreshments, and entertainment from local musician Daisy Kilbourne.

“As the world experiences growing instability and violence against civilian populations, the need for a global commitment to peace is greater than ever,” Dr Mansfield said.

“This starts with communities coming together, listening and understanding one another.”

Dr Mansfield said she was also concerned about growing government investment in arms manufacturing in the Geelong region.

“These weapons are only used to destroy. Violence never creates anything, it only harms humans and the natural world. We must send a message to our governments that we want them to prioritise investing in improving the lives of people, not war.”

“Violence cannot be solved by violence. We cannot bomb our way to peace.”

Walk for Peace will take place on August 31 and is a free event open to all.

For more information, visit sarahmansfield.org.au/walkforpeace.