BRISBANE walkers raised more than $12,000 to support the Romero Centre, a resource hub for asylum seekers, at the annual welcome walk on Sunday, August 25.
Organiser Richard Langford said there was a great turnout with about 130 people taking part in the 3km and 6km walks.
“People really enjoyed the walk along the Brisbane River,” he said.
“It was a beautiful day and a great family event with our supporters.”
It is the first major event for the Romero Centre since it was brought under Brisbane archdiocese earlier this year.
Mr Langford said there was a record turnout from the people who seek help from the Romero Centre.
“There’s a real sense of community and welcome,” he said.
He said for many families and individuals who came from overseas, being welcomed by so many people in the community was an encouraging experience.
Uncle Steve performed a Welcome to Country and Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge opened the event.
The day included a sausage sizzle, coffee, cultural performances and a variety of market stalls.
Mr Langford said it was a great success and had a lot of room to expand.
The Romero Centre supports about 300 children and 500 adults every year.
The Romero Centre was previously operated by Mercy but on July 1, it was brought under the Archdiocese of Brisbane, where it has been supported by Evangelisation Brisbane.
The Romero Centre was founded in 2000 and inspired by the mission of St Oscar Romero.
To find out more about the Romero Centre, please head to: https://romerocentre.org.au/
