LOCAL Afghani asylum seeker Rohullah Hussaini embarked on a 700km journey to promote refugee rights on Thursday.
Mr Hussaini decided to do the ride following denial of his visa for permanent residency and adverse experiences with the processing system in Australia.
Along with Swan Hill Rural City councillor Michael Adamson, he will cycle his way through regional and rural New South Wales on his way to parliament house in Canberra.
Mr Hussaini said he thought refugees in Australia were misunderstood, with negative stereotypes contributing to this.
The pair hope to be able to rectify this along the way, stopping in at towns to speak to people in the community.
“We are doing this for the refugees to let the people know that refugees are not criminals, they are seeking asylum to save their lives and family,” Mr Hussaini said.
Friday will see the duo will pedal 150km from Deniliquin to Urana in the heart of the Riverina, before travelling 110km to Wagga on Saturday.
They are expected to arrive at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, where they will present Member for Mallee Andrew Broad with a petition supporting improved rights for refugees.
Swan Hill residents Jenny and Tony Waldron came out to farewell Mr Hussaini and Cr Adamson. The couple are part of the local Uniting Church Community Issues Group, ensuring refugee rights are close to their heart.
“People on the bridging visas are without hope — it is like an indefinite sentence,” Mr Waldron said.
“It is a shame that we have got young men here who haven’t been able to work.”
It is a massive undertaking for the riders.
“I’m a bit nervous with all of this fanfare, we’ve got to make it now,” Cr Adamson said.
