By Jane Salmon

A Story About Young Refugee or Stateless Children Born Overseas

Once upon a time, a group of brave children embarked on a perilous journey. A tornado of strife had upended their lives in Iran. Friends were lost. They had to leave.

Some of their companions had failings, but all along the way, they leaned on each other for support, their resilience shining brighter than the darkest of nights.

They decided to journey to a mystical place called Aus where problems magically disappeared. But on this trip, there were no yellow brick roads to security; only their own unwavering resolve to find a place to call home.

They missed everyone back in Iran, especially Grandma. “There’s no turning back now, Toto,” they whispered to their loyal companion, as they braved the overgrown and broken path ahead.

Their quest was fraught with challenges – crowded camps, discrimination, upheaval, tall seas, bad boats, wrong passports and uncertainty loomed around every corner. But through it all, they clung to hope and determination, building strength with every step they took.

Along the journey they met the wicked witches of immigration, the flying monkeys of Border Force, the trolls of Serco and some a kind witch or two, too.

They coped when their allies lacked heart, ideas or courage. They did not give up and lie down for long, even when drained by depression or frustration.

Despite every adversity, they pressed on: fuelled by their dreams of a better tomorrow. And finally, after overcoming countless obstacles, they reached the gates of the fabled Aus, a gleaming beacon of hope in a world filled with shadows.

But hardship was far from over. In Aus, they encountered new challenges like arbitrary guards and snobbish locals, elusive leaders, sloth-like ticket sellers, zombie lawyers and confused neighbours.

Yet, through it all, they refused to lose sight of their dreams. Flawed as Aus seemed, it was somehow still a sanctuary, a place where their aspirations could take root and flourish. It was where they found friends, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

And as they explored some of the wonders of Aus, their hearts filled with gratitude and hope, they whispered to themselves, “This could be our home.”

But they had more to go through.

They had to deal with the silly school kids who teased them about their accents, customs and food. They had to do paperwork for everyone.

They had to write and tell their story a million times to the big-headed wizards of Aus that just didn’t seem to care.

These wizards hid in their offices and in an all-white castle in Canberra where the halls were lined with mirrors.

But they clacked their ruby red slippers together and pled “Fair Go For All” and “Permanent Visas Now” enough times that, FINALLY, after years and years, the longed-for work rights, Medicare and access to study came to them. They had a safe haven in Melbourne.

“We truly belong!” they exclaimed as they received their magic tickets.

At last, they were free! Poor old Grandma could visit. Their dreams and goals were within reach. Their parents could stop worrying and reap the benefits of their hard work and worry.

“There truly is no place like home!”, they whispered to Toto.

And they never forgot how to be kind and to treat others the way they wanted to be treated themselves.

In time, they replaced the old Wizards of Aus and made it a better, more interesting, colourful and welcoming place.