Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland)—I would like to recognise Tim Smith, the brainchild behind Maitland's unique OneStep Walk. The very low-key community event, which supports refugees to resettle in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions, builds a mutual understanding and empathy with local residents, one step at a time. It's a simple initiative: the group strolls along the Hunter River trail in Maitland, enjoying each other's company. They mix locals with people with refugee experience, too, so there will be interesting conversation and the chance to meet someone new. After the walk, they all have lunch inside the Uniting Church Hall before heading home. I joined them there a couple of months ago, and it was lovely to be able to connect with everyone. "I just loved being able to say 'welcome' to two young women who had only been here for two months," one participant said. Settling in a foreign country can be a daunting time for refugees, young or old, so the OneStep Walk is a terrific way to overcome some barriers and allow them to thrive in an inclusive environment.