UK-based family of scaffold victim apply for visas to enter Australia

The UK-based family of a man who died after he was hit by falling scaffolding at a suburban Brisbane sportsground are hoping to beat border obstacles to visit Australia, as the local community opens its arms to his wife and children.

Andy Jones and his wife Rhianne. Picture: Contributed

The UK-based family of a man who died at the weekend after he was crushed by scaffolding at a Brisbane sports ground has started the task of seeking entry to Australia.

Father-of-four Andy Jones died while watching his son’s football match on Sunday, after scaffolding used by camera operators to livestream games collapsed on him at Mitchelton Football Club.

A GoFundMe has since been set-up and surpassed its initial goal of $20,000 within 24 hours following an outpouring of support from the local football community.

As of 4pm on Tuesday, it had raised more than $21,000.

While the GoFundMe will help cover funeral costs and support Andy’s wife and four children, his parents and brother in the UK must now apply to enter Australia to reunite with Andy’s family.

Andy Jones died when scaffolding collapse / fell over while watching his son play soccer at Mitchelton on Sunday Picture Facebook

Andy’s UK family, who live east of London, have not seen him since early 2019, after Covid-19 ruined travel plans.

Andy’s brother Chris Jones had organised a weekly phone call between the pair for Sunday evening, a call that would never eventuate.

“We last saw Andy in person in April 2019 and had planned to visit in September last year, unfortunately Covid put those plans on hold,” Mr Jones said.

“I last spoke to him on my birthday (19th July) and we made a plan to speak on the Sunday, which unfortunately never happened,” he said.

Andy’s UK family were shocked by the tragedy but thankful for the community support in Brisbane.

“We have been touched by the outpouring of generosity from everyone in Australia and over the world who have contributed to the GoFundMe page, especially as times are so tough for everyone at the moment,” Mr Jones said.

“Andy grew up here in Billericay, UK and his passing is felt deeply by his friends and extended family over here too” he said.

Chris and his parents have submitted a request to Australian Department of Home Affairs, they are hoping their outstanding visa requests will be processed and accepted soon.

The family appreciates the importance of strict border measures but have been overwhelmed by the difficulty and setbacks during the application process.

“We understand why your country has strict entrance controls, but getting through and finding someone to help has been unnecessarily stressful in our opinion,” Mr Jones said.

“Flights are also ridiculously expensive with flights alone starting from £3500 ($6,560 Australian dollars) each.

“Factor in the cost of the quarantine hotel as well and it is very, very expensive for us all just to come and support the family for a short while as best we can,” he said.

If the financial burden becomes too much, Chris will travel alone to Australia and his parents will have to remain in the UK.

The Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as UK-based family of scaffold victim apply for visas to enter Australia