Almost 29,000 People Supported Us. Our Story Is Not Over.
When I started this petition in 2021 to save Ardina and her family, I hoped that thousands of voices coming together would help make a difference. Nearly 29,000 people signed this petition, and I will always be grateful for their support.
Today, I am sharing an update because our struggle is far from over.
Ardina is still working with me and remains an important part of my life. She works hard, pays her taxes and continues to care for others and contribute to the Australian community.
Yet, after almost 20 years in Australia, she and her family are still living with uncertainty about their future. Ardina applied for a visa based on her work as a carer and the need for her skills in Australia.
After waiting three long years for a decision, she was told that her application was no longer relevant because carers were no longer needed following COVID. After years of waiting and hoping, this was devastating. She has now submitted another application, and once again, her family is waiting for an answer.
Behind every visa application is a real family, with hopes, dreams and fears.
Ardina’s son has spent almost his entire life in Australia. This is his home. He wants to study at university, build his future and continue the life he has grown up with.
The thought of returning to their home country and facing war again is deeply frightening for him. After everything the family has experienced, he still suffers from nightmares and painful memories. As a mother, Ardina wants to protect her son and give him the chance to live in safety, without the constant fear of returning to the circumstances they have already endured.
Ardina herself cannot pursue further studies to develop her skills and advance her career because of her visa restrictions.
For nearly 20 years, this family has lived with uncertainty. Every month, they must renew their visas, never knowing what the future holds. They have missed important family occasions, including the birth of a grandchild, because they are afraid that travelling overseas could put their situation at risk.
Despite everything, Ardina continues to work, pay taxes and care for others. She is not simply a name on a visa application. She is a dedicated carer, a mother and a grandmother who deserves the opportunity to build a stable future with her family.
To everyone who signed this petition, shared our story or supported us: thank you for standing beside us.
Your signatures gave us hope, and we have not given up.
We are asking for compassion, fairness and the opportunity for Ardina and her family to remain in Australia, the country they have called home for so many years.
After nearly 20 years, they deserve the chance to live without constant fear and uncertainty and to finally plan for their future.Our story is not over. We are still waiting, still hoping, and still asking to be heard.
Please continue to support us and share our story. Every voice matters.
With heartfelt thanks,