More than 200 people joined a Wollongong march at the weekend in support of refugees and asylum seekers.
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Walk Together marches were held in unison in capital cities and regional centres around the country on Saturday.
Welcome to Australia Wollongong branch co-director Laura Stanizzo said the march was a peaceful protest aimed at promoting unity and compassion.
"Today is a love walk," she said.
"We want to change the conversation regarding refugees, asylum seekers and new immigrants. They've got the same dreams as we do, they've got the same desires - they want to feel accepted, loved, valued.
"If we're all people, we're all equal. That's something I'm really passionate about."
The event was held jointly with a National Mosque Open Day, aimed at strengthening ties between the Muslim and wider communities.
The Wollongong march began at MacCabe Park, where walkers including Georgina Harb, of Horsley, were equipped with placards that read "Common People Common Dreams Walk Together".
"I just want to make everyone welcome, and make them feel like they're home," said Ms Harb.
Courtney Leech travelled from Narrelan Vale to take part in the march. "The political climate is really negative towards refugees. I want to ... say that they are welcome," she said.