01-09-2023
On Friday, Mayor Pam Kensit was invited to represent the Upper Lachlan Shire at an official welcome for marathon walker Neil Para held in Goulburn.
Mayor Kensit said she is very supportive of Mr Para’s cause and was glad to have the opportunity to offer support from the Shire.
Mr Para is walking 1,000 km to seek better conditions for refugees that have not been granted permanent residency. A refugee himself. Mr Para fled war and persecution in Sri Lanka and has lived in Ballarat since 2013.
A recent government announcement gave permanency to 19,000 refugees but Mr Para is one of the 10,000 refugees still awaiting a decision.
Mr Para’s walk began on 1 August when he departed from Ballarat and will end when he reaches the Prime Minister’s electorate office in Marrickville.
