It’s time to Walk Together

Centred on the theme ‘we share our future’, Walk Together in Sydney will begin at Belmore Park at 11am. There will be speeches from prominent Australians including:

• Community leader, lawyer and former refugee Deng Thiak Adut
• Welcome to Australia ambassador Mariam Veiszadeh
• Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane
• NSW Labor Party MP Jihad Dib
• SSI Chair Kamalle Dabboussy
• Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek MP
• Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Craig Laundy MP
• Greens NSW MP Mehreen Faruqi

The crowd will make its way to Victoria Park for a family-friendly festival that will include multicultural food, music, dance, stalls, and an appearance from special guests the Sydney Thunder and GWS Giants.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said Walk Together was an opportunity for all Australians to show they appreciated our country’s diversity and all the benefits it offered.

“Australia is a diverse nation, shaped by our Indigenous first people and the generations of migrants who subsequently have made their homes here. That diversity is a strength; we’re a more vibrant and rich society for it.

“Participating in simple acts, like walking together, shows that we are curious about our neighbours and those who are different to us. It shows that we don’t just notice our differences – we celebrate them.”

Welcome to Australia CEO Mohammad Al-Khafaji said: “Right now, where there is fear mongering and division, it is more important than ever that we promote unity, respect and inclusion towards all in our community. We must work towards a community which rejects racism, and celebrates our inclusive multicultural nation.

“Walk Together is our opportunity to call out the best in Australians to come together and support refugees and new arrivals, and to stand with them, and say welcome. We have more in common than that which divides us.”

Media enquiries:

SSI Communications Assistant, Hannah Gartrell, 0488 680 287