Media Release

Join Craig Foster, refugee communities and dignitaries for the Sydney leg of the Big Walk 4 Refugees – a 2.5km walk from the Maritime Museum to Fleet Park – this Sunday 17 March.

In the first four weeks of the virtual walk, hundreds of people in all states and territories have powered through 40,000 kilometres to show support for 10,000 refugees living in Australia who are waiting for permanent visas.

Clocking 60 million steps to date – or 2.5 laps of Australia ­­- walkers are expected to complete more than 50,000 kilometres by the time the virtual walk completes on 26 March 2024.

According to Craig Foster, humanitarian and former Socceroo captain:

“We’re walking together to raise awareness of the impact of endless uncertainty and impermanence on 10,000 children, women and men who came to our shores seeking safety more than a decade ago.

“These families and children are stuck in limbo, waiting for permanent protection. Despite contributing in every way and being loved members of our communities; growing up here and completing their schooling here, they still don’t have the same opportunities, protections and sense of inclusion.

“As a country, we have made progress and there is more work to do, more people who also need and deserve our help. Which is why I’m calling on the Australian government to provide permanent visas for all 10,000.”

Refugee Rights Campaigner at Amnesty International Australia, Zaki Haidari will also attend:

“We are walking in solidarity with our 10,000 brothers and sisters. The walk highlights that they have been living without certainty or clarity for over a decade, mainly on short-run temporary visas with no way to meet goals or plan their futures.

“They are part of our community and have contributed significantly to Australia as workers, volunteers, cultural ambassadors. Their visa status has denied them reunion with parents, siblings, partners, children.

“It is time for the Labor government to stop such unnecessary, inhumane practices and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Refugee supporter and activist, Ian Rintoul, Refugee Action Coalition Sydney says:

“Why are we blocking brilliant young people from going to university after completing their secondary schooling in Australia?

“Why are we blocking people from being able to work in much-needed areas such as aged, disability and child care where we have skill shortages?

“Why are we blocking families from reuniting after a decade?

“The Australian government needs to have the ticker to stop this cruelty and provide permanent visas for all 10,000 so they can plan and rebuild after living here for more than 10 years.”

The Big Walk 4 Refugees was launched on 13 February to show support for 10,000 refugees who were overlooked by the Australian Government’s announcement a year earlier of permanent pathways for 19,000 refugees.

In the first two weeks of the Big Walk, walkers smashed out 16,650 km from Hobart, around the coastline, arriving in Canberra on 27 February four weeks ahead of schedule. Walkers are running more than 500 virtual rings around Parliament House each day.

Join us on for the Sydney Big Walk 4 Refugees. Meeting at 1pm at the Welcome Wall, Maritime Museum, 1 Murray Street, Darling Harbour for our walk to First Fleet Park near Circular Quay. Distance has been limited to accommodate walkers fasting for Ramadan.

Photo opportunities are available with refugee walkers:

• 1pm: Welcome Wall, Maritime Museum (Murray Street) Darling Harbour

• 1-2pm: Walking to First Fleet Park

• 2pm: At First Fleet Park.

Spokespeople available for interview before, during or after the walk:

• Craig Foster, humanitarian and ex-Socceroo coach

• Zaki Haidari, Amnesty International campaigner and refugee from Afghanistan who received permanent residency in Australia in 2023

• Ian Rintoul, refugee advocate, Refugee Action Coalition Sydney

Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/19v2bOEjd

For more information about the Big Walk 4 Refugees visit www.bigwalk4refugees.au