When Kurdish Syrian refugee, Douaa Mardini and her family left Iraq last year to make a new life in Australia, her excitement was tempered by the disappointment and worry of leaving her mother, Rabiaa,behind.
Rabiaa had not been granted a visa.
Rabiaa and her daughter, Douaa. Image supplied
The young family were the first to arrive in Australia under the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), and have been supported by Ballina Region for Refugees’ Ocean Shores Community Support Group.
BR4R President, Marilyn Leeks, said that at the time it seemed uncertain that Rabiaa would be granted an Australian Humanitarian Visa.
However, the decision eventually came down in her favour and last week there were tears of joy when she re-joined her family.
Rabiaa has been welcomed with open arms by her family and the Ocean Shores support group, who have developed a deep friendship with the family.
‘They are so kind, they are wonderful, I’ve never seen anything like them,’ said Rabiaa.
You can support refugee settlement in our region by donating at www.givenow.com.au/br4r
To find out about establishing or joining a community settlement group in our region please reach out to [email protected]
The myth of chain migration? Do they happen to rent?
CS, this make believe imaginary fear of the “other”, it must be so crushing for you. How do you get out of bed each morning.
First Nations peoples’ fear of the other wasn’t imaginary. Just sayin.
That doesn’t compare with now and CS beating things up.
ou live in one of the whitest areas in Australia so of course you can’t see a problem. Would you like to live in a town full of people like me? Cause I’m just like you. I’m from the same culture/language/ethics etc. If you actually live somewhere truly foreign, with the locals, for an extended period of time, you would quickly learn why we have separate nations, and why that is a good thing. If you don’t maintain a super majority of your own people, your people disappear. Ask Byron Bay.
Humanity, it isn’t so hard to do.
That photo brought tears to my eyes. Kindness is the only way forward.