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More than 120 marchers took to the streets of central Dandenong to protest against slavery on 20 October.
The Walk for Freedom was supported by global group A21 but it had a local focus, says organiser Liana Rutgrink.
She said new arrivals in Dandenong were the most vulnerable target for workplace exploitation.
They were being forced to work in sweatshops or illegal brothels to work under the minimum wage.
The march started as an idea in Ms Rutgrink’s church in Hallam, Melbourne Lights Church.
It quickly gained interest as the group marched in the rain.
“People were asking: ‘Can I join?’
“Others were giving us the thumbs-up and tooting their horns on the way past.
“It was a positive response.”
