Support Peter Gutwein's "The Walk" and Continue to Make a Difference

The Tasmania JackJumpers are proud to support "The Walk – Step Up Together," an inspiring initiative led by the Hon. Peter Gutwein, Chair of the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas). Over the past weekend, Gutwein undertook an extraordinary 350-kilometer walk from the MRC Tas Burnie office to the MRC Tas Glenorchy office, covering approximately 50 kilometers each day. This remarkable journey aimed to raise awareness and funds for a more inclusive and compassionate lutruwita/Tasmania.

Peter Gutwein's walk highlighted the vital contributions of Tasmania’s migrant and refugee communities to the state’s social and economic well-being. The walk also brought attention to the troubling rise in anecdotal reports of racism within our communities.

Reflecting on his journey, Gutwein shared, "When I first announced The Walk, I knew it would be challenging, but it pales in comparison to the challenges many of our migrants and refugees face just to arrive here and establish a new life. Walking 350 kilometers has taught me a lot—blisters won’t kill you, and toenails are overrated—but what stood out most was the overwhelming compassion and kindness from Tasmanians. Businesses and individuals rallied behind The Walk, joining me and donating funds to support a more inclusive Tasmania. There were incredible stories shared along the way by migrants working in fields such as medicine, dentistry, construction, hospitality, and retail. Diversity and inclusion bring new ways of thinking, understanding, and innovating. It was fantastic to see all Tasmania’s peak sporting organizations, including the JackJumpers, support The Walk. Inclusion is crucial on the sports field and the court. We truly are better together and can achieve great things when united under a common purpose."

The initiative garnered significant support from various organizations, including Hazell Bros, The JackJumpers, Tasmanian Devils, Football Tasmania, Tasmanian Hospitality Association, and Tasmania Police.

Throughout each leg of The Walk, members of Tasmania’s migrant community joined in to share their stories, reinforcing the message that diverse and inclusive communities are more innovative, creative, and productive. Gutwein remarked, "We’re encouraging all Tasmanians to step up for The Walk together. Because when we step up together, we step forward together."

The Walk, which began on Sunday, June 9th, concluded on Sunday, June 16th, with a celebration and barbecue at Montrose Foreshore Community Park at 11:30 AM. Those wishing to join Gutwein on the last half-hour of his journey met at the GASP Pavilion on the Brooker Highway at 10:45 AM.

Former Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein successfully completed his walk from the state’s north to south, raising money and awareness for Tasmania’s multicultural community. His 350km journey was inspired by ongoing reports of racially motivated attacks against multicultural Tasmanians, including a recent incident where a Hobart taxi driver was assaulted at his home.

Donate

There is still time to support this meaningful cause. Tasmanians can still get behind the cause and donate at www.mrctas.org.au. All funds raised help MRC Tas to provide more resources, services, and support to Tasmania’s migrants and refugees, including more cultural awareness training in schools, businesses, and communities. Let’s step up together for a more inclusive and compassionate Tasmania.