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Kensingtons Sis Sealey Nominated for her Second Pride of Australia Medal
Australia May 11, 2011 – At 78, Sister Pat Sealey recognized that when six Afghani men turned up at her doorstep at the early hours of six am, it was necessary for her to separate her life from her work.
She had only been expecting visitors to arrive at 10 am, an asylum seeker and his interpreter.
Sis. Sealey recalled, “I heard the doorbell and there was six of them standing there, all smiling and kissing my hand.”
She added that she was still even in her nightie when they arrived.
She further recalled, “Next time it happened I told them there was a McDonalds around the corner, get something to eat and come back at 10.”
Sis. Sealey had left the Enfield unit, where she still works and moved into the Province House with the Sisters of St Joseph at Kensington.
As an Australian immigration agent, Sis. Sealey, assists asylum seekers and detainees in their Australian visa application in order for them to stay in Australia.
With a recorder 62 refugees across Australia on her books, all of her work is voluntary.
For the two consecutive years in running, Sis. Sealey has been nominated for the Pride of Australia Medal.
The award gives recognition to those ordinary Australians who have done and are doing extraordinary things.
Because of Sis. Sealey, 97 asylum seekers have now become Australian residents, though she is still hoping to reach the 100 mark by the end of the week.
In 2004, Sis. Sealey began helping refugees with their immigration to Australia visa applications, though she was not yet legally registered.
She completed an online migration law course with the Australian National University at the age of 75 and then became a migration agent.
Sis. Sealey explained that she was determined to get a distinction every time and she did.
“Because I am old, I can do lots of things.”
Sis. Sealey further explained that it is her privilege to assist refugees find a safer life in Australia.
“These are amongst the most vulnerable people on the planet.
“It tears your heart out to hear them tell their stories.”
“They cry, but I drag it out of them, because it provides the evidence we need to help them stay here.”
Launched in 2005, the Pride of Australia program is aimed to unearth and celebrate unsung heroes. People can be nominated across 10 categories including Outstanding Bravery, Courage, Heroism, and Community Spirit.
A sterling silver Pride of Australia Medal will be awarded to the program recipients.
source:
eastern-courier-messenger.whereilive.com.au
