Trekkers leave footprints to bring peace

Women walking from Brisbane to Canberra in the name of peace and a nuclear free future arrive in Sydney City on Sunday.

The walkers will attend a morning tea reception at Sydney Town Hall and a film night at Petersham Town Hall, after having walked from Gordon to Ashfield the previous day.

The ‘FootPrints for Peace’ walk began on March 13 and is scheduled to arrive in Canberra on May 25 to coincide with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York.

The group will present Prime Minister Kevin Rudd with a message stick from the Brisbane Indigenous community, a book containing visions of peace and sustainability, and 1000 cranes, symbolising their wish for Australia’s future.

Like-minded women intermittently join the core walking group of June Norman, Cassie McMahon and Dawn Joyce as they walk for three to seven days at a time separated by a one-day rest.

They are promoting peace by collecting signatures en route and speaking with local politicians, groups and communities about alternative energy and sustainable lifestyles.

Federal Government discussions about a nuclear waste dump at the Northern Territory’s Muckaty Station, near Tennant Creek, compelled 69 year-old walk leader Ms Norman and her colleagues to act.

“I want to ensure that my great grandchildren are not threatened by the deadly effects of the nuclear cycle,” she said, “The nuclear cycle starts in Australia by digging up uranium.”

The walkers rely on supporters for donations, food, and housing on the trip.

They invite any women to join them for as much of the journey as they are able.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk with pride and in partnership with our Indigenous brothers and sisters,” said Ms Norman.

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon will speak at the City morning reception, to be hosted by Greens Councillor Irene Doutney and Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

On Sunday at 6pm the trekking trio will discuss sustainability and methods for a peaceful future, and tell stories from their journey so far at Petersham Town Hall.

Documentary on the nuclear industry, A Hard Rain by David Bradbury, will be shown; an opportunity to fold ‘peace cranes’ given; and Marrickville Council Mayor Sam Iskandar will present a letter of support.

FootPrints for Peace is a global community promoting spiritual, cultural and environmental change through peaceful action.

By Lawrence Bull