Photo: Pacific Pilgrimage in Canberra. Credit: Jessie Boylan

In June/July, our Program Coordinator Dimity Hawkins joined a special delegation for a Pacific Peace Pilgrimage.

This initiative was supported and represented by Quakers Australia, ICAN Australia, the Nuclear Truth Project, Pacific Conference of Churches, the Marshall Islands Students Association, and the Fijian Nuclear Veterans and Families Association

[from left to right] Frances Namoumou, Pacific Conference of Churches; Merewalesi Tuilau, Director of Fiji Nuclear Veterans and Families; Rev James Bhagwan, Secretary General of the Pacific Conference of Churches; Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara Anangu second generation nuclear test survivor and ICAN Ambassador; and Samuel Barton, President, Marshall Islands Students Association in Fiji. Canberra, July 2026.
Credit: Dimity Hawkins

The delegation met with Members of Parliament and Senators in Canberra, held a vigil outside Parliament on the 80th anniversary of the first US nuclear test on the Marshall Islands, and marked 60 years since the first French test in Māʻohi Nui with a video message to the Parliamentary Friendship Group for the TPNW.

[from left to right] Merewalesi Tuilau, Director of Fiji Nuclear Veterans and Families; Uncle Winiata Puru, Beyond Uranium Collective Canberra; Samuel Barton, President, Marshall Islands Students Association in Fiji; Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara Anangu second generation nuclear test survivor and ICAN Ambassador, Karina Lester; Rev James Bhagwan, Secretary General of the Pacific Conference of Churches; and Frances Namoumou, Pacific Conference of Churches. Canberra, July 2026. Credit: Dimity Hawkins

Events in Sydney and Melbourne brought communities together to hear testimonies, share stories and enjoy Pacific feasts coordinated by the Quakers.

"This project was brought together with the deep care, sponsorship and strategic knowledge of the entire team from each organisation."

Dimity reflected.

"It was an example of true partnership, solidarity, First Nations leadership and collaborative spirit that upholds our founding principles of Rights, Respect and Reciprocity. It was an honour to be a part of this."

 

Nuclear Truth Project's Protocols Posters at the Pacific Pilgrimage event in Naarm (Melbourne). Credit: Dimity Hawkins.