Day 23: Wagga Wagga

Day 23: Wagga Wagga

I was amazed by the many various agencies and groups that were representatives in welcoming us to Wagga Wagga! I am inspired by the wonderful initiatives in settling and welcoming refugees into this council. Encouraged by meeting Sudanese, Chin, Afghanistan, and Iranians who came this afternoon and evening! This is great!

Tri Nguyen is hauling a large model of the boat in which his family fled from Vietnam in 1982 from Melbourne to Canberra. He stopped in Wagga and was officially welcomed at St John's Anglican Church. He is pictured with his son Noah. Picture: Les Smith

"And I wish you all the best for your future lives in this country, yourselves and your children, that in Australia your best hopes and aspiration for the future will be realised." MALCOLM FRASER, PRIME MINISTER 1975-1983:

"If we listen closely enough to the stories of others, an alternative story will emerge which will allow for the transformation to take place." Brueggemann?

"…nobody can change stories unless an alternative story is made richly available with great artistry, love, and boldness." Brueggemann?

Thank You:

Mark, Keith & Marita: for your involvements in the birthing of this idea and concept. Thanks also to Sivonne Binks for the Gift of Refuge design & logo. And to Tristan for putting wheels to the boat and making the frame and harness. Kim Beales for the song and your company on the road.

Majid, Daniel & Linda for accompanying me on this walk. Your stories and your courage and tenacity are inspiring. You did it! You walked to Canberra!!!

Phil & Michaela: For all the administrations and coordinations this project, including walking, driving, and music - you did all the hard work! Thanks also to Katrina for your initial planning.

Beryl: our much-needed walking companion and team support. Thank you also to many friends who came walking with us, at different times and sections.

Baptcare Team: For your backing and enormous support, and thanks for providing the support vehicle! David Barker, Jason Perdriau, Olivia Maclean...

George Trifunovic for your beautiful photography and your time and encouragement. Thanks also to other photographers and filmmakers: Stephen Dau, Stephen Smith, Heather Kirkpatrick & Marleena Forward.

To all our Hosts along the way: Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and community. Your hospitality was the most precious experience of our walk. We feel more hopeful because of your willingness to invite us, strangers, into your homes and your openness to hearing our stories.

Andrew Wilkie and team: For all your work in welcoming us to Parliament House and facilitating for the boat to float among the offices of Parliament. Thanks to all MPs who have hosted the boat in the last 7 years!

The Walk

March 16th - April 20th 2014

Brunswick to Dallas 12.8km 16/03

to Craigieburn (10.2km) 17/03

to Wallan (37km)18/03

to Kilmore (14km) 19/03

to Broadford (14.2km) 20/03

to Seymour (29.4km) 21/03

to Avenel (19.2km) 22/03

to Longwood (20km) 23/03

to Euroa (18km) 24/03

to Violet Town (19.2km) 25/03

to Benalla (30.3km) 26/03

in Benalla 27/03

to Glenrowan (24.2km) 28/03

to Wangaratta (16.1km) 29/03

to Springhurst (24km) 30/03

to Chiltern (14.1km) 31/03

to Wodonga (27.7km) 1/04

NSW

to Thurgoona (14.9) 2/04

to Gerogery (27.4km) 3/04

to Culcairn (24.2km) 4/03

to Henty (17.2km) 5/04

in Henty 6/04

to Wagga Wagga (32.9km) 7/04 (riding)

to Oura (20.4km) 8/04 (riding)

to Wantabadgery (20.8km) 9/04 (riding)

to Nangus (20.7km) 10/04

to Gundagai (20.9km) 11/04

to Jugiong (40km) 12/04 (riding)

to Yass (60.8) 13/04 (riding)

(Wee Jasper State Forest)

Yass 16/04

to Hall/ Nth Canberra 17/04 (riding)

to Canberra (14.8km) April 18th

Friday 1pm - Welcome event

Sun 20th April: Canberra Easter Celebration!

Join us in Canberra

Good Friday, 18th April, 1pm, John Dunmore Lang Place

(between the Portrait Gallery and Questacon)

or walk in with us - meet at 11.30am outside ABC 666 Studios, cnr Northbourne Ave & Wakefield Ave, Dickson