People of many cultural backgrounds have walked in harmony through Logan in a show of support for reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations peoples.

The walk, on June 22nd, culminated with a yarning circle at the Gould Adams Sport Complex and was supported by Reconciliation Australia, the Queensland Government, yourtown Australia, Access Community Services and the Queensland Police Service

Logan Community Elder welcomes all cultures

Reconciliation supporters initially gathered at Logan Gardens on Civic Parade, where they adorned themselves with face paint and paid their respects to the Aboriginal Traditional Custodians and their Elders past and present.

Reconciliation Queensland Aboriginal Co-Chair Aunty Heather Castledine greeted participants on their arrival and noted the many immigrants among their number.

“So many people who joined us to support the Logan Harmony Walk have come from the other side of the world,” Aunty Heather said, noting that many had come to Australia to escape strife and severe hardship.

“Lots of those people can never go back to their homelands and I think we need to remember that. We are a very sad country, I think in a way, [but] we’ve come from all these different areas to make Australia our home and to be part of the community here,” she said.

While the walk did not attract the turn out she had hoped for, Aunty Heather was upbeat.

“Today is really exciting, because really this is one of our first walks in this movement,” she said, adding in jest that she had encountered “a little bit of fun” trying to organise a permit from the police because it was such a new event.

“We were going to walk no matter what,” she laughed.

Thankfully the police escort turned up as planned and the walkers got away on time, without a hitch.

After comfortable 3.7km stroll, they were met by a much bigger group of supporters at the finish line and treated to a hearty BBQ feed.

The yarning circle soon followed, where young and old shared stories and reflected on the importance of reconciliation for community harmony.