In Biloela, the Nadesalingam family is settling in after four years away - and it is thanks to the efforts of these individuals.
Behind the scenes of a gruelling grassroots campaign are scores of people from different walks of life who have volunteered their efforts and time in support of the Nadesalingam family as they settle in at home in Biloela. From donating mattresses to manning the campaign's social media profiles, these are the stories of the unsung heroes.
But not many know her mother, Anne Smith, who moved to Biloela in late 2018 to support Angela's four-year-long and all-consuming advocacy for the Nadesalingam family. "I'm just so glad to see them back here, and for Angela to get her life back. She's really put their life on hold for four years, waiting for this family," Anne said.When Brett McAnilly found out Angela was browsing for mattresses to furnish the Nadesalingam home, he agreed with his wife that he'll provide anything they need for free.
The Nadeslingam family were given an emotional welcome as they arrived back to the Queensland town of Biloela.Brett reflected on the scores of refugees fleeing Ukraine following the war in eastern Europe and said he feels "pretty helpless to actually change or do anything". Tamil Refugee Council representative Aran Mylvaganam is one of the first few people who took the Nadesalingam matter to the press.Since the campaign officially launched, Aran and his team allowed the Home To Bilo coalition to take full rein, providing support when needed.
While Aran sees Friday's return as a success, he believes more work needs to be done to ensure more Tamil asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat between 2012 and 2013 can be settled permanently.
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