Running in the footsteps of Pemulwuy

Andrew and Trevor hope to raise $5,000 to support the Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy housing project on the Block.

“I’ve been a resident of Redfern for at least 30 years and have seen how badly the local Aboriginal community has been treated by successive governments,” says Trevor. “This is their land and future.”

Andrew adds that Pemulwuy is and can be “a symbol of hope” in the community. It will generate pride and showcase a proud urban Aboriginal culture. “Redfern has an international profile. Pemulwuy is a big and positive story.”

Local artist, Adam Hill, has created special T-shirts for the event. The design features the number “221”, a reference to the 221 years since European settlement/invasion (1788). Pemulwuy led a resistance against the colonisers and was lauded as a clever, brave and independent character – qualities evidenced in respect of the AHC’s housing project.

Andrew ran the Sydney Half Marathon in May this year. “Although it was hard I enjoyed the challenge – physical and mental,” he says. “So I thought I’d register for the Marathon. Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis [but] it will feel so good to cross the finish line. I’ve been reading a few books on long-distance running [the marathon is 42.195km] and one of the best tips I’ve read is to eat dried figs along the way.”

Andrew has been running every second day for the past few months, while Trevor jokes he has probably not prepared well enough. He will go as far as he can, and that will be a real achievement for him – and for Pemulwuy.

You can support Andrew and Trevor by sponsoring them and donating directly to the Aboriginal Housing Company. Visit www.gofundraise.com.au/pemulwuy

Source: South Sydney Herald September 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au