My dad, Stephen Pokrywka, is currently fighting for his right to remain in Australia.

Stephen came here when he was around twelve years of age, fleeing from an abusive situation with his mother. From there out, he has lived in this country and has remained a working, respectable man to everyone and more.

He has done some of the most important jobs for our state and regional, consisting on working in the mines and trucking industry for many years, contributing to our state and regional and working nightshift while also having a wife and kids at home.

He moved and got a house to be closer to his children and has devoted his life for his family, friends and loved ones. But he never gave that same respect towards himself.

 Like many people, my dad became apart of an unsupported, looked down upon minority and slowly lost his life to drugs. He never stopped working or providing, his grilling addiction unbeknownst to his children and around.

My dad was sentenced to 6 years in jail due to a routine traffic stop he was a passenger in, and drugs being found in the vehicle.

As many people affected by loved ones using drugs, this gave us a chance to rebuild our lives. My dad was off the drug, regretful, ready to rebuild. None of us realised a “small hiccup” dad tried to protect us from, risk of deportation, was actually a very plausible threat.

After losing his trail, we gathered our resources and put in for a retrial; my nana putting in a sum of money for a lawyer that certainly her or none of us really have. After waiting many months, probably almost two years for said retrial, it was denied.

This was a week or ago, and every second is a second wasted that we do not try to do something, try to give my dad a second chance, and try to speak louder. My dad is apart of a bigger problem, and face it, he is simply one person in this life changing, devastating issue we have in this country and worldwide.

I refuse to let him become just another story. He is a good man. A hard worker. A family man. And most importantly, he is someone. If you can do anything towards my dad who has given and given and never given to himself, please sign this petition. If you are someone who can do more, please reach out further. Thank you for your patience and time.