MEMBERS of Brisbane’s Darra Jindalee Catholic parish are celebrating after a fellow parishioner and Tamil refugee was granted a visa to stay in Australia.
After a decade of uncertainty and with the backing of local churchgoers Redson Selvan, finally received news on June 8 that the Australian Government would grant him a Resolution of Status (subclass 851) – (RoS Visa),
“During his lunch break at work, he phoned me to share his great joy on receiving his permanent visa,” Darra parishioner Des Lavey said.
“Our hope now is that Redson can be reunited with his family.”
Mr Selvan, a member of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Community in Darra, has been living in Australia on a Safe Haven Enterprise Visa since 2012.
All that time he has been separated from his wife and two children who remain in Sri Lanka.
Now that Mr Selvan is a permanent Australian resident he has a right to apply for his family to come to Australia.
“It is reason for hope,” Mr Lavey said.
Mr Lavey is one of several Darra parishioners trying to raise money to help bring Mr Redson’s wife, 18-year-old son, and 14-year-old daughter.to Australia.
Visa costs and air tickets to Australia would make it impossible for Mr Redson to raise the funds alone.
Recently the Springfield Catholic community donated $1000 to the worthy cause.
Mr Lavey hopes a charity ball later this month will help raise enough money for a Selvan family reunion in Australia.
The Faith, Hope & Charity Ball will be held at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Olsh School Hall) on Saturday June 22, from 7-10pm.
