Tuesday, 25 November, 2025
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SPORT
Dressed up for success Rumaisa was clothed in pride as she joined more than 20 young pre-schoolers who have graduated from a two-year, home-based early learning program in Dandenong. She received her certificate and academic gown at a Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) ceremony at Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre on Friday 21 November. More on the story, turn to page 14
(Stewart Chambers: 518103)
Life on the outer A small crowd of protestors has raised noise in Dandenong on behalf of nearly 3000 ‘forgotten’ asylum seekers in Victoria. For two days, Bridging Visa E holders raised placards outside federal MP Julian Hill’s office to highlight the unfairness of their plights. They have appled in vain for permanent protection, in some cases waiting up to 12 years. In contrast, a majority of more than 20,000 others in Australia have been granted in recent years. Among the protestors was Hussain Kamali, a restaurant and supermarket owner paying GST
and employing 16 staff. But because he isn’t recognised as a citizen, he was denied government support during Covid. “People from our cohort who had small businesses suffered a lot without support and were forced to close their business. “This is not fair and that is very painful. “This country is truly a country to be loved but unfortunately the government doesn’t see us, and it’s this turning blind eye that is painful.” Sara Mashalian is a dental assistant who is barred from higher education in Australia.
“Even yesterday I requested the immigration department to allow me to study and attain a certificate. “They told me go to another country if you want to study.” After fleeing Iran and enduring detention at Manus Island and Nauru, she and her mother Roghieh’s mental health have deteriorated while living in limbo in Australia for 12 years. In the meantime, Sara’s husband Ali and the rest of her extended family have Australian citizenship.
“Every night she has a nightmare that someone pushes her from a high building,” Ali says. A spokesperson for Hill, who is Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, said: “Where a genuine refugee is eligible for permanent residency, many of the long-term outstanding cases involve complex identity or character issues. “However, every case is different, and Ministers cannot comment on individual cases for privacy and legal reasons.” For the full story, turn to page 14
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