CARING members of two Brisbane parishes have raised more than $14,000 to aid a fellow churchgoer – a Tamil refugee who has spent the last decade trying to become an Australian resident, and now hopes to bring his family to Australia.
The parishes of Darra and Jindalee, and Sts Peter & Paul’s Bulimba raised the money at a recent charity ball, together with donations received from the wider community.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you Catholic Church,” Redson (the single name he uses according to Tamil culture) said in response to the generous donations from regular Mass attendees who rallied to support him.
“I am very happy the Church has raised the money to bring my family to Australia.”
In June, Redson was granted permanent residency to stay in Australia after receiving official immigration knock backs since 2013. He hopes to apply for citizenship in June 2024.
Throughout his visa ordeal, Church communities in Brisbane supported Redson, while his wife and two children remained in Sri Lanka.
Now, as a permanent Australian resident, he can apply for his family to come to Australia.
Darra parishioner Des Lavey said donations had “come from people’s hearts. They gave what they could” to reunite Redson and his family here in Australia.
“It really is about restoring some dignity and helping the most vulnerable,” Mr Lavey said.
“Everyone at the ball had a happy time.”
Family visa costs are expected to be $8,8085.00 – for Redson’s wife Pusbamala,$4,045.00, for his 18-year-old son, Vithusan Redson, and $2,2025 for his 15-year-old daughter, Paranika Redson.
“It will be many months and possible a year before the required visas are approved,” Mr Lavey said.
“Some additional costs will relate to visa lodgement fees, health and character checks. Travel costs will be also additional.
“No-one can know what the costs of the flights will be at that time. I believe a reasonable estimate approximately of $22,000.00 overall would be required.”
Mr Lavey said he had always been impressed with Redson’s “strong faith, and his grit and determination” to make Australia his home.
