 To mark World Refugee Day on June 20, nearly 1,300 people joined prominent Queenslanders on a candlelight vigil. In its third year, the walk across the Goodwill Bridge to the City Botanic Gardens Cafe was coordinated by the Multicultural Development Association with support from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. As one of the department's humanitarian settlement service suppliers, MDA helps more than 1,000 newly arrived refugees to start their new life in Brisbane. Prominent Queenslanders who participated in the walk included Queenslander of the year Jim Bellos, singer Katie Noonan and the Queensland Raw mascot. I think it's such an important event because it reminds us all that we do live in a country that is free from fear. In so many countries, people aren't able to walk silently and peacefully in the street without risking persecution or possibly even death. So to join together and be able to celebrate that is fantastic event. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship grants more than 13,000 visas a year under the humanitarian program.