Svitlana and her family have built a successful life and business in Adelaide since arriving in 2018. They sold their home in Italy, moved to Adelaide to learn English, and have become valued members of the Henley Beach community.

In 2020, they opened Henley Breeze Café, which thrived despite COVID-19 and won the People’s Choice Award in the Charles Sturt Council Business Awards. Their café now employs 10 local staff, many of them young people.

Svitlana and her husband Nosh, along with daughters Eleonora (17) and Alice (13), are now facing deportation, as their current visa expires in November and two previous applications for the 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa were rejected.

Eleonora hopes to study medicine next year, but her future is uncertain. Alice, who has grown up in Australia, speaks very little Italian and has made her life here.

The community has rallied behind the family, recognising the enormous contribution they’ve made through their business, their support of local suppliers, and the welcoming space they’ve created for everyone.

We ask the government to urgently support their visa application and allow this hardworking family to remain in South Australia – their home.