Kopika and Tharnicaa Nadesalingam start school in Biloela after returning home

After returning to Central Queensland almost two weeks ago, Kopika and Tharnicaa Nadesalingam have started school in Biloela. Read about their first day here.

Almost two weeks after returning home to Biloela, the Nadesalingam family are settling into life back in the regional community.

The family arrived back in Biloela on June 10 after new Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers used his ministerial powers as interim Home Affairs Minister to grant the family bridging visas until their immigration status was settled.

On the day the family was officially welcomed home at the Biloela Flourish Festival, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there should be “no impediment” to the family being granted a permanent residency.

On Wednesday, Nades and Priya’s two daughters, Kopika and Tharnicaa, started school, which has been their parents’ dream for the past four years.

In a post shared on the Bring Priya, Nades and their girls home to Biloela facebook page, it was said Kopika enjoyed playing pirates during the lunch break with her friends.

“As Nades and Priya have told us so many times over the past four years, this has been their main focus - to see their girls settled peacefully and securely in their community and getting an education. Thank you for your part in helping to make this happen,” the post said.

The family returned to Biloela for the first time on June 10 after being granted bridging visas.

Family friend and one of the ladies behind the Home to Bilo campaign Angela Fredericks said seeing the family back home again was “a beautiful thing”.

“It feels like finally all the dust is settling,” she said.

“We finally have our friends back after all the trauma and sadness, we’re finally seeing their personality coming back again which is beautiful to watch.”

Ms Fredericks said the girls were excited to be back at school with their friends.

“They were feeling nervous, as any children do on their first day, but they were both so excited,” she said.

“When I spoke to them they both had the best day, they’ve gone to the same school as Bronwyn’s kids who they’ve been friends over zoom... they’re now doing what Nades and Priya always wanted for them. Being part of the community and growing up here.”

Followers and supporters shared their excitement for the girls starting school.

She said the family had been well received by the Biloela community after their return home, with residents sharing their excitement in a local messaging group when they bumped into the family at the supermarket.

“All we were after were the simple things, not anything huge or grand,” she said.

“Just being able to go to the butcher or bump into them at the park, everyone is at peace again.”

Hundreds of followers and supporters of the family have shared their joy for the girls online as they settle into their new school.

“Watching in Scotland. Loving seeing these wee girls home where they belong,” said Angela ‘Mulgrew’ McBeath.

“It’s wonderful to see the girls all decked out in their school uniforms and attending school with friends,” said Vicki Philp.

“So wonderful to see these two gorgeous little girls being able to have a normal happy life, enjoy school, precious Kopika and Tharnicaa,” said Cheryl Hawkins.

Ms Fredericks said the family’s lawyers were still working with the department through the visa process