When young mum Vashini lived in Biloela, she and Priya loved to take long evening walks together, talking over the events of the day.
Vashini moved away from Biloela. But her friendship with Priya is still strong.
I know we all sign a lot of petitions. But this Saturday, I’m inviting you to step out from behind the computer and join Vashini as she takes a stand for Priya, Nades, Kopika and Tharunicaa in the Brisbane suburb of Strathpine: http://bit.ly/StandWithPriya
Let me explain.
After Border Force snatched Priya and her family from our town in March, Vashini went to the Brisbane office of Mr Dutton’s Department of Home Affairs. She held up a picture of her friends and leafleted passers by.
In May, as little Kopika faced her third birthday in detention, Vashini organised a “birthday party” in her local park. Kids birthdays are a big deal in Tamil culture, and Vashini’s cake was a sight to behold!
In June, Priya’s friend Simone and I travelled to Mr Dutton’s electorate to deliver a 99,000 signature petition to his Strathpine office. Vashini was by our side.
And yesterday, when we learned that the billboard you helped us to fund was being installed 500 metres from Mr Dutton’s Strathpine office, Vashini rushed there to speak to the media.
This Saturday 8 September, Vashini is coming back to Strathpine, to stand beneath the billboard a second time.
I wish I could stand with her, but right now I’m on the other side of the world, re-connecting with friends and family in the UK. And I know that Vashini can’t do this alone.
Before I go to bed on Friday night, UK time, I’d love to send Mr Dutton a photo of our billboard, but this time with dozens of peaceful, positive people standing strong with Vashini, for Priya and her family.
There will be dozens of cardboard cockatoos (the symbol of our town) to hold. All you need to bring is you. And a friend.
To tell Vashini you’re coming, please click through to the facebook event now: http://bit.ly/StandWithPriya
Oh, and bring an umbrella. It’s looking like rain …
Thank you,
Angela