Biloela family’s first words back home in Queensland

The Murugappan family has spoken for the first time since touching down in Queensland on their way home to Biloela.

The Murugappan family have spoken for the first time since flying into Queensland on the way to their adopted hometown of Biloela.

Priya and Nades and their daughters Kopika and Tharnicaa waved to waiting media after arriving at Brisbane airport.

The family of Tamil asylum seekers yelled out “Hello Brisbane, hello Queensland” as they arrived in the Sunshine State.

They are now on the way home to their adopted hometown ahead of a big celebration.

The family finally left Perth on Wednesday after spending more than three years in detention.

Their homecoming followed a national campaign led by Biloela locals to free the family of four who were initially detained by the Australian Border Force back in 2018.

Speaking to media from Perth airport before their departure, the family gave thanks in English and in Tamil.

“Me and my family are very happy to start our journey back to my community in Bilo,” Priya told reporters.

The Nadesalingam family will return to Biloela after four years in detention. Pic Colin Murty

They boarded a flight from Perth airport early on Wednesday morning. Picture: Twitter

Tamil parents Priya and Nades and their Australian-born daughters Kopika and Tharnicaa were held on Christmas Island from 2019 before being moved to community detention in Perth when the youngest daughter fell ill.

Priya thanked staff at the Perth Children's Hospital for treating her daughter over the past year.

“I’m very grateful. I have made great friends. Thank you to all people in Perth. Love you Perth,” she said.

Mother, Priya thanked staff at the Perth Children’s Hospital for treating her daughter over the past year. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

Both the family’s daughters were born in Australia and have seen their lives completely upturned. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

Before they were moved to Christmas Island two attempts to deport the family failed after community backlash spurred legal interventions.

The previous government led by Scott Morrison refused to grant the family bridging visas as they did not meet the criteria to be classified as asylum seekers.

Last week Treasurer Jim Chalmers granted the family bridging visas as acting Minister for Home Affairs, saying it would allow them to legally remain in Biloela while they worked towards resolving their immigration status.

While court proceedings have found the family are not refugees, their two daughters were born in Australia raising concerns for their welfare if they were to be returned to Sri Lanka.

The family’s longer term visa status remains uncertain. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

Biloela locals are gearing up to welcome the family home. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

A crowdfunded effort to raise wages for the family lost during their time in detention reportedly made well over the target amount with additional funds being donated to local and refugee charities at the request of the family.

“My prayer is that this government will make a change to the lives of every single refugee who comes here. All refugees are survivors. They need hope,” Priya said in a statement posted on Facebook by an advocacy group.

“I had the support of Nades and we had the support of the people of Bilo. But many others don’t have that support. So I want to help.”

Residents of Biloela are gearing up to welcome the family back after years fighting for their return.