How is it that a disability Carer for over eight years, one that has opened her heart to care for people in need and developed unbreakable bonds with her patients, is not good enough to be a permanent resident in Australia? How can the Department of Immigration not see how hard it is to find a carer? How can they not see how it will affect her patients who have various disabilities from Down-syndrome to psychiatric issues?

Carers help their patients physically, emotionally and socially. Building trust and creating a family bond takes time - sometimes longer than the carer actually sticks around for. These patients have already had a tough life. They have already been disadvantaged. Life is already difficult. I would know because I am one of Ardina Schwartz' patients.

If not for Ardina, I would not have coped during the recent lockdowns in Melbourne and also may not even be here today. I must give a huge thanks to Ardina for all the help and support, and the things that I have achieved with her help are beyond anything I could have ever imagined for myself. 

Change is very difficult for me at the best of times, especially at this time, while in the process of moving from living with my parents to living independently. If Ardina were to leave, I would be more than devastated. It could take me back to when I was first diagnosed. Not only does this affect me personally, but my whole family as it has a ripple effect.

Ardina and her family came to Australia legally over 14 years ago. Ardina has a married daughter and grandchildren, as well as a widowed sister who are permanent residents here in Australia. She has formed a very close bond with them.

This family is well integrated into the Australian community. They know English perfectly, they pay their taxes, they volunteer, they’ve never relied on Centerlink, they love their jobs and are proud to have one. We need people like this in Australia. Australia wanted them here because they offered a skill. The department have now decided that her husband's skill is no longer needed, so see you later after 14 years. How is this fair? Where is the compassion? How about us, the disadvantaged sector of the community? How about having our needs met too. 

If she were to be sent back, it would be devastating for all involved. Her clients, their families, as indicated above, it has a ripple effect. Ardina's immediate family would be greatly effected, as well.

Please take the time to sign this petition for us. I honest to God don’t know what I’m going to do if she’s no longer here to support me. All her patients are devastated. Please I am begging for your support.