Easter send off for hundreds of
young Aussies as they take
a Pilgrimage to the heart!

Hundreds of young Australians are to be sent off from Capital Cities from all over Australia to take part in a Pilgrimage to Uluru.

Many communities from all over Australia have pulled together to help them raise the funds to take this important journey for reconciliation.

Mutitjulu elders the traditional custodians of the rock have extended a welcome to the students with an invitation to visit their cultural centre and their land. Sponsored by "Schools in Harmony" the pilgrimage now in its fourth year is having a dramatic impact on the young people who take it.

The following are common responses - Melinda 16 year old, "It's put my life into perspective, I know what and who is most important and how to respect indigenous people and most of all, I have learnt some of my own Aussie history too." Todd a 17 year old, "I now have more respect for the land." Tammy a 15 year old, "After going on this trip, its made me more myself because of the atmosphere. I've learnt a lot about myself in doing the daily reflections. I've also learnt a lot about Aboriginals and their boundaries and I deeply respect them for forgiving us."

On the ten days journey Indigenous and young people from various ethnic backgrounds will join with young Anglo Australians living together shoulder to shoulder, sleeping out under the stars. Not only rediscovering the secrets of the land as taught by Indigenous elders but experiencing the core Easter message as they try to give expression to the meaning of the words, "Hope, Love, Peace and Reconciliation".

Mal Garvin, the National Coordinator for the "Aussie Awakening" and the "Schools in Harmony" movement explained, "It's been said, a tourist passes through the land taking photographs but a pilgrim lets the land pass through them, bringing them understanding." He went on to say, "One of the delightful by-products of the Pilgrimage is the way whole communities have come together to support their kids and fundraising ventures from sausage sizzles, car washes."

Whole communities have rallied around their young people and sent a strong and implicit message that says we value you and see you as an investment in our own future. By the time the buses arrive out at Uluru, the base camp at the Centre would have spent some time reconnecting with the indigenous communities preparing the ground for another rich cultural exchange.

The amphitheatre at Yulara resort will be the setting where the pilgrims will recite poetry, drama and songs written on the journey.

They will have discovered what it means to become mates, whatever the ethnic or racial background. More importantly they will have taken a journey that will have helped them learn what it means to be Aussies together.

These teenagers will lead the March in every Capital city this Easter Sunday afternoon and they will be commissioned to be ambassadors for reconciliation. Reconciliation being one of the core understandings of the Easter message.

The Global networks for reconciliation have become quite fascinated by the effects of this journey to harmony and reconciliation.

Mal Garvin and National Coordinator of the Awakening movement is available for interviews on 0412 904 589 & 02 9789 4888. Or contact your state representative.

Victoria - Poul Bottern on 0402 338 715
Queensland - Wells O'Neil 0422 869 919
SA - Dean Polkinghorne 0402 015 925
ACT - Ian I'Anson 0413 598 577
Tasmania - Matt Garvin 0413 598 625
WA - Andy Braun 0412 145 269

For more information contact your Awakeing State Office