A three-day "Freedom Walk for Falun Gong" was held on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, from November 16th -- 18th to coincide with the "International Day of Tolerance." Over twenty practitioners from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Gold Coast participated in the event as part of the worldwide SOS message: "Urgent Rescue Falun Gong Practitioners Persecuted in China."

The walk extended for a distance of 60 km's from Caloundra to Noosa. The walkers comprised of both Western and Chinese practitioners ranging in age from young children to those in there late 50's.

We held peaceful candlelight memorials over two evenings in remembrance of over 300 men, women and children who have been tortured to death in China's relentless crackdown against Falun Gong, and to peacefully appeal for the millions of innocent practitioners and their families still suffering in China.

A booth was also organised at the major shopping centre on the Coast to inform the public of our walk, offering flyers and hundreds of balloons to the children bearing the words "Falun Dafa" and "Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance."

Our walk was reported exceptionally well by the local TV stations and newspapers.áMany felt the environment changing as we continued forward with our righteous thoughts and hearts. The practitioners at the very front and rear of the walk each carried a large sign which read "GLOBAL FREEDOM WALK FOR FALUN GONG," and many people offered their support with encouraging toots and waves. The whole event proved very harmonious. We were all particles united in Dafa. Although some practitioners found it challenging at times, their enthusiasm remained unwavering.

Walking through one particularly busy street we overheard a mother say to her little girl, "Let's make room for these people darling, they have a very important message to put across!"

Day 1 Fri on Nov. 16, 2001 -- SOS GLOBAL RESCUE WALK
As we walked we received great support from passing cars, with honks and thumbs up.............
Day l -- SOS Global Rescue Walk - on Fri, Nov. 16, 2001 - Lunch break Candlelight Vigil at Tickle Park, Coolum Beach, Noosa.
Sat. on Nov. 17, 2001 at about 6pm.....