Attacks on Tasmania’s migrant and refugee communities have prompted a former Premier to take on a journey from the top of the state to the bottom – on foot.
Peter Gutwein plans to walk 350km from Burnie to Glenorchy next month to raise awareness and funds that will go towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate Tasmania.
The “symbolic challenge” comes in response to recent racial attacks on Hobart taxi drivers by teenagers and aims to highlight the broader issues faced by new residents.
“I thought how could be begin a positive contribution. How could we tell the story of what so many migrants and refuges actually bring to this state,” Gutwein, who is also the Chair of the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), said.
“40% of Tasmanians are from a migrant background and with over 150 languages in Tasmania, one in five 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 is unacceptable.”
Gutwein aims to cover 50km each day and raise $50,000 during the walk.
“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,” he said.
The walk will start from the MRC Burnie office on June 9 and end on June 16 at the MRC office in Glenorchy.
According to Google Maps, it takes 77 hours to walk the 350km distance between Burnie and Glenorchy via Launceston.
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