By Luke Voogt
Northern Geelong residents again showed their solidarity on the streets in Norlane on Wednesday for the suburb’s second Harmony Walk.
Walk organiser and resident Jaki Tidmas hoped the walk would be a yearly event.
“I think the people that are here are really passionate about seeing peace and harmony in their neighbourhood,” she said as she walked with the crowd.
Locals organised the walk in 2016 after a group of youths attacked three girls, who were in their early teens and wearing headscarves, at Evans Reserve.
Jaki said the walk was a reminder that neighbours could conquer hate together.
“They want something to do but they don’t necessarily know how to do it. Norlane and Corio kind of have a bad name but I love living in the northern suburbs of Geelong.”
About 150 people braved rain for the Harmony Walk, which was down on last year’s inaugural figure of 200.
Fellow resident Simon Reeve said streets and parks should be places of safety and inclusion for everyone – especially children.
“We value and welcome all people, regardless of their background,” he said.
“Norlane is a great place to live, work and visit.
“By walking together for harmony we are showing that Norlane is a wonderful and diverse neighbourhood.”
Urban Seed Norlane, Geelong City, Northern Bay and North Geelong Secondary colleges and Diversitat teamed up to organise the event.
“As neighbours we should be looking after one another and working together to make our neighbourhoods great places in which to live,” Simon said.
