I crossed the NSW border today

I have finished day 15, which included a huge milestone -  the NSW/Victoria border crossing! Today I walked almost 30km from Barnawartha to the border towns of Albury-Wodonga. 

I was joined by a big contingent of supporters from Rural Australians for Refugees from both NSW and Victoria. We shared lunch together once we arrived in Wodonga.

The Victorian State Emergency Services (SES) Wodonga Unit provided an escort into Wodonga - my second escort from the SES on the walk so far! 

I was welcomed in Wodonga by Greens MP in the NSW Upper House, Dr Amanda Cohn, who previously worked as a GP providing health assessments for newly arrived refugees. Thanks Dr Cohn!

I’ll finish the day by attending a local SES meeting in Wodonga tonight. The new shoes seem to be keeping the blisters at bay but I’m really looking forward to my rest day tomorrow and a chance to rest my legs.

Refugees supporters gathered in peaceful protest in Melbourne today, outside the office of Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs, to call for permanent visas for the over 10000 refugees who have been left behind by the ‘Fast Track assessment’ system. I’m using my walk to add my voice and ask the Albanese government to honour its election promises by providing permanent visas to those who have been left in limbo for the last 11 years. 

You can help by signing and sharing the petition, and contacting your local MP.