National Walk for Values

On Saturday, 28 March 2009, National Walks for Values were conducted in Capital Cities right across the Nation. Walkers carried banners, placards, balloons, brochures and handouts in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide and on Sunday 29 March 2009, the National Walk for Values took place in Perth. Here is the pictorial narrative National Walk for Values in Sydney.

The 2009 National Walk for Values in Sydney

Society and the individual are inextricably linked, and the individual's welfare is bound up in the welfare of society as a whole.

Secular society can only function well when the values are practiced and honoured by individuals.

The laws which govern society are based on the five human values.

In commerce and business there is a great reliance on adherence to right action and truth. Trust in each other quickly diminishes if truth is not practiced.
Neville Fredericks, former Mayor of Kiama, in his address to the National Walk for Values

This year the Sydney Walk took us from Belmore Park - which is located close to Central station, through George Street - to Town Hall, then on to Park Street ending at Hyde Park. The day's events began around 7AM with volunteers getting three venues (Belmore Park, Sydney Square and Hyde Park) ready for the participants. When the day began, we had dark clouds hanging over the city, threatening to rain any minute. However, with the grace of Mother Nature, all that passed and the weather was perfect for a walk in the city.

At 8.45AM the program at Sydney Square commenced with a group of youth and adults singing value songs with the support of a small group from Rydalmere centre entertaining the onlookers. Brochures were distributed to the members of the public who gathered to watch the music program.

At 9.00AM the music program at Belmore Park commenced with 'Welcome to Country' followed by the National Anthem and Value songs, led by young children and youth. Professor Roger Packham, of the University of Western Sydney gave the introductory talk on the importance of following the values and cut the ribbon, announcing the start of the walk.

In his talk, Professor Packham said,

The simple act of holding up placards and banners with the five values is enough to remind all who see them that these are fundamental to what and who we are as human beings and as Australians. They enhance all aspects of our society - personal, family, work, sport and governance, and the walk celebrates these in a fun and interactive way. Their practice helps to achieve a just and sustainable society despite its increasing complexity and ongoing change. So as we walk, let us all reflect on these values, and how we can demonstrate them to others through our daily actions at home, at work and in all our relationships.

Read the Introductory Speech by Prof. Roger Packham

The walk was led by two drummers, which attracted the attention of the public to the messages that the participants were carrying. As the walk weaved its way through the streets of Sydney, leaflets were distributed to the people who had paused to see what the commotion was all about.

The walk made its way through George Street, the busiest street in Sydney.

Attention was drawn to the Walk and many people on the streets began asking questions and also, stopping to see what the march was about. At Town Hall, the walk slowed down to welcome the group that had performed at Sydney Square.

The walk then proceeded towards Hyde Park, which was all set up with marquees to accommodate the elderly, the invited guests etc.

At Hyde Park, the participants were entertained for about 10 minutes by the drummers who had the youth clapping and dancing.

Good decisions lead to good actions, and such decisions are guided by universal human values which are the basis of all the great spiritual traditions of the world. Human values guide Integrity and it this that we seek in our leaders, and when we see it, it raises our hopes for a better future. Leaders and individuals of integrity will guide us to the sustainable future we all hope for. Integrity will guide virtuous acts that will ensure the well being of our Nation and of the world. The five broad human values of Love, Peace, Truth, Right Action and Non-Violence can be recognised in the integrity of those leaders, current and past, that always come to mind when we want to name 'good' leaders, and it is these values that can help us all to be better people to play our appropriate part in our communities and our nation. Professor Roger Packham, University of Western Sydney

The program at Hyde Park had a performance from the youth of Sri OM Care, a community service group.

There were also speeches by Vidya Raghavan from Sri Om Care and from Ram Naresh, who spoke on the 'Take Home Message from the Walk'.

Neville Fredericks, the Central Coordinator spoke on his vision for the Walk. In his talk, Neville Fredericks said,

The five values of Peace, Love, Truth, Right Action, and Non Violence, are fundamentally important to people of all countries and cultures. Every one admires others who they observe practicing the values. Every individual gains self confidence through the practice and adherence to the values.

Mr Fredericks went on to say, "Values unite us, they can bind us into one great common cause. There is no more powerful force in any society, no more harmonising power, than the practice of these values."

The program then continued with some more value songs that were presented by the youth and presentation of awards to the children on the Poster competition that was held in conjunction with the walk.

Light refreshments were provided to the participants before the walk closed at 12:00 noon.

You may view the photo album of the Views from the Sydney Walk for Values, 2009

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