Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles The Nadesalingam Family – They were once the most famous refugee family in Australia. But where are they now?
When the Nadesalingams were removed at dawn from their home in Biloela in 2018 and put in immigration detention, a group of locals launched a campaign to bring them back. For the next four years, the Tamil family captured the nation’s attention as they were moved from one detention centre to another, fought countless legal battles and staved off multiple deportations attempts.
A novice band of campaigners from the small central Queensland town was up against a federal government determined to take a hard line on immigration.
“It looked like an unwinnable campaign for, for such a long time’,
– says Simone Cameron, one of the #HometoBilo campaigners.
“I thought, ‘Oh, we are no match for this government.’”
“It was an unforgettable and long campaign’”,
– says Priya.
“When I think now how hard they worked for our family, I get very emotional.”
We first told their story in 2021, when the family was in community detention in Perth.
Since then, the campaign achieved its goal and Priya, Nades and their two daughters Kopika and Tharnicaa were allowed to return to Biloela. It was an unforgettable moment.
“I felt like crying”,
– Nades tells Australian Story.
“I felt like I was reborn and had come to Biloela in my next life.”
We revisit the family to hear how they survived the uncertainty and scrutiny of those four years, how life is now and their hopes for their children’s future.
The mayor of Biloela, Nev Ferrier, is sure that despite the heartache, the campaign has put his town on the map.
“People know where Biloela is now”,
– he says.
“It’s changed the town. It’s put us out there. It makes us feel proud.”
Producer: Lisa McGregor.
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview – Monday 11 August 2025 at 8:00pm
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles The Nadesalingam Family
