The Rowdendrans' Story

"A society where everyone, regardless of background or disability, feels welcome, included and supported"

My name is Gandimathy Rowdendran and I came to Australia 10 years ago with my wife Elaguppillai and daughter Vignarajahni, who has a disability. My wife and I are my daughter's only carers. We receive some assistance from the Home Care Services, who come twice a week to help our daughter bathe. My wife and I also receive the age pension.

We left Sri Lanka because of the fighting among our people. We are Tamil and the area we lived in only had electricity supply for a few hours a day, making it difficult to look after our daughter. When the fighting started we would go to the bunkers but this frightened and unsettled our daughter and it was very hard for her to stay in and to understand why she had to stay shut inside the bunker. She would become very frightened and would start screaming and crying. Coming to Australia has provided safety and security for our family.

Another reason we like living in Australia is the health care and the financial security we receive from pensions. We have had no problems getting the help we need for our daughter and have made friends within the Tamil and Australian communities.

Seven years ago we applied to the Immigration Department for our eldest daughter to come and live in Australia. My wife and I are ageing and suffering poor health and we would like our eldest daughter, who is living in Switzerland, to come to Australia to look after Vignarajahni. Finally, with the help of the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association, we have been able to organise for our eldest daughter to come and live with us in Australia. The whole family is looking forward to the reunion. My wife and I are very relieved knowing that Vignarajahni will be well looked after and have a happy future in Australia.

Gandimathy Rowdendran