Next Tuesday, QLD-born Kopika turns five. But unless our politicians step in, she’ll spend her birthday detained on Christmas Island, 5,000km from her Biloela home.
Around the world, people are organising “drive by” birthday parties for kids living in isolation because of the coronavirus.
We can’t do that for Kopika and that breaks my heart. Instead, our politicians are forcing this gorgeous little QLD-born girl to spend her 5th birthday in detention - for the third year in a row.
So we’ll be doing our best to give Kopika a birthday to remember, with a spectacular cake and beautiful decorations.
On Christmas Island, Kopika and her family are denied access to the internet and all of the tools we rely on to stay connected with friends and family during this time of isolation.
But our Biloela birthday girl can hear us sing ‘Happy Birthday’ by dialling in to our party with her Mum’s phone. I know Priya would love to say a few words to thank you all, too.
To make sure Kopika will always know she was not alone on this special day, we’ll record the live stream and share all the birthday wishes you send. On the day, you can even share a photo or video of your own celebration at home - please include a birthday message for Kopika!
The best birthday present our little Queenslander could have would be for the politicians to pick up their pens and let Kopika and her family come home to live quietly and peacefully in Biloela.
So we’ll share your birthday messages with the politicians with the power to bring them home, too.
For everything you are doing to help me bring Kopika and her family home to Bilo - thank you.
With hope,
Angela