MRC Tas chair Peter Gutwein speaking to media. Image: MRC Tasmania/Facebook
Hazell Bros have backed a Tasmanian initiative to raise awareness and funds for the state’s migrant and refugee communities.
The family- owned and operated Tasmanian company is supporting the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania’s The Walk, Step up Together event will provide support vehicles and other measures to ensure event safety.
The initiative is spearheaded by former Tasmanian premier and current Migrant Resource Tasmania chair Peter Gutwein. As part of the event, Gutwein will walk 350 kilometres over seven days in June from the MRC Tas Burnie office to the MRC Tas Glenorchy office, averaging 50 kilometres a day.
Gutwein said 40 per cent of Tasmanians are from a migrant background and with 175 languages in Tasmania, one in five families speak a language other than English at home
“Yet despite this, MRC Tasmania is seeing an alarming increase in anecdotal reports of racist behaviour in our communities, which is unacceptable,” he said.
“The Walk aims to bring attention to the challenges faced by our migrant and refugee communities, and is an opportunity to showcase the strength of diversity in our State. An inclusive Tasmania is a better Tasmania.
“We are calling on Tasmanian organisations and Tasmanians to get behind this cause and join The Walk community, with an aim to raise a minimum of $100,000 to increase education, awareness and support to build a more harmonious community.”
The Walk will raise funds to support migrants in Tasmania. Image: MRC Tasmania/Facebook
Mr Gutwein said he was thrilled by the support already shown for the initiative by various organisations, including Hazell Bros, the Jack Jumpers, the Tasmanian Devils, Football Tasmania, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, and Tasmania Police.
“These organisations have told me how their own employees from migrant and refugee communities have helped to improve their businesses, and we are so pleased to have them join The Walk community to support the initiative and share their stories,” he said.
“Each leg of The Walk will see members of Tasmania’s migrant community join in and share their stories.”
Hazell Bros’ wide-ranging business covers quarries, concrete, construction material testing, plant hire, transport, and more. The business, which began in 1944, maintains its family connection through second-generation brothers Geoffrey, who is managing director, and Robert Hazell, who owns and heads up operations.
Geoffrey Hazell told The Mercury that the company valued supporting this event, which fosters diversity and inclusivity.
“At Hazell Bros, we know the importance of diversity and acceptance and our business is better for it,” he told the Hobart paper.
“We employ a number of skilled employees from migrant communities across the globe. Diversity in the workplace is important because we gain fresh insights, innovations and learn new skills.”
The Walk will take place from June 9 to June 16. It will depart from the MRC Tas Burnie office and finish at the MRC Tas Glenorchy office.
Anyone can donate online at givenow.com.au/thewalk.
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