Business Paper Late Reports Ordinary Council Meeting
Alby Schultz Meeting Centre, Cootamundra
6:00PM, Tuesday 22nd August, 2023
Administration Centres: 1300 459 689 |
Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda |
22 August 2023 |
LATE REPORTS
6.2 Mayoral Minute - Neil Para, Walk for Freedom
22 August 2023 |
DOCUMENT NUMBER |
397288 |
AUTHORISING OFFICER |
Charlie Sheahan, Mayor |
REPORTING OFFICER |
Charlie Sheahan, Mayor |
1. Neil Para Media Release ⇩ |
The information in the Mayoral Minute be received and noted. |
Introduction
On 1 August, Sri Lankan refugee Neil Para set out on a 1000 kilometre walk for freedom to raise awareness of the plight of refugees in Australia. Neil will be arriving in Cootamundra on 24th August 2023.
A media release is attached with more information.
Discussion
As a Refugee Welcome Zone, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is fully supporting Mr Para’s walk for freedom initiative. Cr Leigh Bowden (Deputy Mayor) and I, Cr Charlie Sheahan (Mayor) will be meeting with Neil on Thursday 24th August at Albert Park, between 2pm and 4pm (time to be confirmed).
I encourage anyone who can, to come and support Neil on his journey.
With support from regional refugee advocacy groups such as Rural Australians for Refugees, Neil plans to deliver a petition to Mr Albanese's office. The petition has already attracted nearly 15,000 signatures. Petition link: https://www.change.org/p/neil-is-a-refugee-in-australia-he-is-walking-1000-km-to-ask-albomp-for-a-fair-go