It was a Christmas to remember for former Tamil refugee Redson Selvam as he joyfully reunited with his family after 12 long years of separation. Source: The Catholic Leader.
After more than a decade of uncertainty and with the backing of Brisbane Catholics, Mr Selvam greeted his family at Brisbane International Airport on Christmas Day.
On December 6, the Department of Home Affairs granted visas to Mr Selvam’s wife, Pushpamala, son, Vithushan, and daughter, Paranika, ending the 12 years of agonising separation.
Darra-Jindalee parishioner and family friend Des Lavey spoke at Mass on December 29 to let the community know Mr Selvam’s family had arrived after they had supported and fundraised for him for more than a decade.
“Redson is a casualty of the Sri Lankan civil war and arrived in Australia by boat on August 5, 2012,” Mr Lavey said.
“He lost his right leg from the hip down due to a bomb exploding at a public Tamil independence meeting. He was the official photographer at the gathering.
“The Darra-Jindalee and Bulimba Catholic communities simply realised the importance of compassion and love to be shown to Redson.
“We recognised Redson as a good-living Christian after knowing him over a decade and understood for some time the practical challenges he faced as a refugee bringing his wife and two children to Australia.
“Our belief was strong that having the family live here with us would change four lives for the better.
“It’s a Christmas miracle.”
Mr Selvam’s son Vithusan spoke at the Mass on behalf of the family to thank them for the incredible support.
“I speak for my father, my mother, Pushpamala, and my sister, Paranika, when I say there are no words that can say how grateful we are to the communities at Darra-Jindalee and Bulimba.
“Because of your prayers, kindness and generosity you have achieved for our family what we thought was impossible.
“Our family will never forget that your good deeds brought our family together again to build a new life in this wonderful place.”
Mr Selvam had fought a deportation order and had it overturned, was given permanent residency on June 7, 2023.
FULL STORY
New chapter begins as Redson Selvam reunites with his family on Christmas day after 12 years apart (By Matt Emerick, The Catholic Leader)
