Long run: Palwinder Rai ran from Albury to Melbourne, stopping by Seymour, in support of the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Photo: Peter Lockyer
In the Indigenous Voice to Parliament’s campaigning, there have been several outstanding personal efforts in community building.
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And Palwinder Rai is no exception. He took up the challenge of running from Albury to Melbourne to support the Yes campaign.
Over seven days “on the road” Palwinder ran solo with no vehicle support and was almost overcome by the generosity of Yes campaign supporters in Benalla, Euroa and Seymour, providing meals, accommodation and new friendships.
Palwinder draws inspiration from Pat Farmer, the ex-Liberal politician whose marathon effort to support Yes ended at Uluru on Wednesday, October 11.
“Don’t run with me, do your own race,” Pat told Palwinder.
With support from the Sikh community in Craigieburn, Palwinder did just that.
Taking backroads wherever possible to avoid speeding traffic, Palwinder jogged into Seymour last Thursday evening, spending a night with hosts in the Tallarook Ranges.
“I have never seen such beautiful country,” he said.
So why would an Australian of Punjabi background who has been based in Melbourne for 15 years go to such lengths as taking part in a seven-day run?
“For history, for respect of a 60,000-year old culture, and for support and respect for First Nations elders,” Palwinder said.
On air: Palwinder Rai joined EarthChat on 103.9 Seymour FM to talk about his campaign. Photo: Peter Lockyer
Palwinder Rai joined EarthChat on 103.9 Seymour FM on Friday, October 13, to chat about his campaign and his passion.
Palwinder said this movement for human rights and a better relationship with First Nations communities would continue despite the referendum’s result.
“Many good people and new support communities have grown from this campaign,“ he said.
“I love this country and see that it can become fairer and more just.”
His efforts are in the same vein as another generous Sikh community member, Australia’s Local Hero of the Year 2022 Amar Singh, with his charity Turbans4Australia, which provides relief food support during disasters, such as the Lismore floods and the 2019-20 fires.
Similarly, Palwinder is proving to be an inspiration.
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