[Greens-Media] Thousands to Walk Together in Welcome

[Franks, Office]

June 21, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE: Thousands to Walk Together in Welcome

Greens Multicultural Affairs spokesperson and Welcome to Australia ambassador Tammy Franks will join hundreds of like-minded South Australians tomorrow (Saturday) at Welcome to Australia's Walk Together event.

The Refugee Week walk in Adelaide is one of 15 Walk Together events being organised by Welcome to Australia, with thousands expected to turn out across the country in support of a compassionate approach towards refugees and asylum seekers.

"Australia is the land of the fair go and Welcome to Australia is all about celebrating cultural diversity and welcoming those who come across the sea seeking a better life," Ms Franks said.

"I grew up right next door to Sydney's Endeavour immigration Hostel in the '80s, where playgrounds and open spaces prevailed, not the barbed wire and barbed words of now.

"Meeting and playing with the children of immigrants and refugees from around the world made for brilliant conversations, great insights and some fantastic lunchtime swaps.

"These days of course those very same childhood friends would instead be languishing in isolated, humid hell-holes and I would never have had the joy of off-loading my peanut butter or vegemite sandwiches for some far more fabulous prawn crackers!

"Whatever your political persuasion, tomorrow's walk is about recognising the equality and dignity of all people and aspiring to be a nation that celebrates diversity and welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

"Together we'll be calling for an end to the politics of fear and prejudice.

"All of us are an important part of the Australian story and tomorrow is about recognising that through this visual demonstration," Ms Franks concluded.

In 2012, more than 10,000 Australians in 11 cities walked together. Join the walk in Adelaide commencing at 1pm tomorrow (Saturday) outside Parliament House, North Tce and concluding with a Welcome Picnic in Rymill Park (corner Rundle St and East Tce.)

More information: http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/

Media enquiries - Lauren Zwaans ph: 0457 549 938

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