Not entitled to work rights, study rights or healthcare, the Paras have spent the last decade relying on support and funding from organisations including Rural Australians for Refugees, church groups, and individual members of the community.
Rural Australians for Refugees Ballarat convener Margaret O’Donnell said Para has been an upstanding member of the Ballarat community for many years, and his family has earned the respect and admiration of many. Para also founded the Union of Australian Refugees.