Former premier Peter Gutwein embarks on national walk to empower migrant community

Former premier Peter Gutwein is lacing up his running shoes again, this time journeying from Launceston to Canberra to highlight the benefits of a culturally diverse community.

Former premier and MRC Tasmania chairman Peter Gutwein with Tasbuilt Homes carpenter Manav Boparai ahead of The Walk Better Together national walk. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Peter Gutwein is lacing up his running shoes again and embarking on another 330km walk to raise awareness and funds to support a more inclusive and harmonious Tasmania.

This time the former premier is journeying from Launceston to Canberra to take the conversation nationally.

Mr Gutwein said The Walk, Better Together will take place from October 1 to 9 and is an enduring national conversation about the positive contributions Australians from migrant and refugee backgrounds make to the community.

Former premier and MRC Tasmania chairman Peter Gutwein is walking from Launceston to Canberra to bring national attention to the contributions of migrants to Australia. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

“Following the success of The Walk in Tasmania, which resulted in more cultural awareness training, we’ve been encouraged by community and business leaders to take the conversation nationally,” Mr Gutwein said.

“This new walk aims to achieve three things. Firstly, increase public understanding and acceptance of the benefits and contributions of a multicultural society, and by doing so, reduce racism, which too often occurs from a lack of understanding. Secondly, through donations, raise funds to support ongoing initiatives that promote the importance and benefits of multiculturalism, and thirdly, encourage Federal Members of parliament to unify and reaffirm their commitment to a multicultural Australia.

“I firmly believe, as a migrant myself, that education leads to understanding, and if we can have a positive conversation, and people can understand the contributions that people make, that that understanding can open people’s hearts, and as a country, we will be better for it.”

During Mr Gutwein’s first walk, he met with Launceston carpenter Manav Boparai, who shared his journey of finding a home in Tasmania.

Mr Boparai came to Australia from India in 2018 to study for a Master of Accounting. However, after Covid-19 struck in 2020, he pivoted his study into a building apprenticeship.

Multicultural Council of Tasmania chairwoman Aimen Jafri, former premier and MRC Tasmania chairman Peter Gutwein, MRC Tasmania chief executive Gillian Long, federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer and Tasbuilt Homes carpenter Manav Boparai ahead of The Walk Better Together national walk. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Mr Boparai has completed both his Certificate III in building and is building homes in Tasmania while working towards his Certificate IV.

“Nav’s story is the sort of story that I wanted to share with my children,” Mr Gutwein said.

“He demonstrates that when you get knocked off the path, there are opportunities. You just got to remain focused and keep moving forward.”

Mr Boparai said he felt compelled to take part in The Walk to help other migrants who may be struggling.

“I reckon that’s the minimum I can do as a migrant myself; if I can make a bit of difference and it can make life easier for somebody else, why wouldn’t I?” he said.