Between Christmas and New Year, while most of us enjoyed a well-earned break, Margot and her partner Kev travelled from Queensland to the Melbourne detention centre where Priya, Nades and their Australian-born daughters have been trapped for 10 long months.

Margot’s visit came one week after the Federal Court dismissed Priya’s plea for safety. Now, with this beautiful family facing deportation to danger on 1st February, we need to spring into action.

Right now, I urgently need everyone reading this to send two e-mails: one to the Minister for Immigration, Mr David Coleman at immigration.minister@homeaffairs.gov.au and one to your local MP. To find your Federal MP's e-mail address (or online contact form), enter your postcode at bit.ly/yourlocalMP.

Your own, polite words are best. But if you need ideas, here is a sample letter to the Minister for Immigration and letter to your local MP.

Margot is Kopika and Tharunicaa’s unofficial “Australian Grandmother”. She has been tireless in her love and support for this beautiful family. Last year, she questioned a Senator on the ABC’s Q&A program and led supporters in a peaceful march to Peter Dutton’s Brisbane electorate office.

Margot writes:

While waiting to enter the visiting area, I could see Kopika through the pane of glass, jumping and waving, a big smile on her face. When I walked through the door she ran to me and hugged me so tight, laughing and hugging me more.

More than anything, right now this family needs hope. That’s why I’m asking you to click through to one of these peaceful, family-friendly events and show Priya and Nades that you will be standing with them on Saturday 19th January:

Gladstone: www.facebook.com/events/1866712956760839
Brisbane: www.facebook.com/events/293622374623775
Sydney: www.facebook.com/events/218774595693763
Melbourne: www.facebook.com/events/2351636344911734

Thank you to everyone who has already done the above and thank you to everyone for your continued support!

Angela xxx