Good people speak at Queenscliff

Alison Corke and Para Paheer are the authors of The Power of Good People and will be speaking at a literary event, Sri Lanka to Australia: A Story of Hope, this Sunday at the Uniting Church in Queenscliff.

The Power of Good People is the story of Para Paheer’s journey from war-torn Sri Lanka and the terrible consequences of violence and ruthless politics, to becoming an Australian citizen. He was recently joined here, after eight years, by his wife and son.

Para was barely five years old when civil war erupted in Sri Lanka. Nearly three decades later it ended in appalling horror and bloodshed.

Tens of thousands of innocent civilians died. Survival required courage, ingenuity — and the kindness of strangers. This is Para’s story of survival against all odds.

“I know that I would not have survived without help from many people,” he said.

“Many put themselves in danger and at least one person died for me. It’s time for me to remember them, and to thank them.”

While in Christmas Island Detention Centre, Para became penfriends with Alison Corke, a member of the Apollo Bay branch of Rural Australians for Refugees, in Victoria. On his release from detention in 2011, Para moved in with the Corke family.

“From our first letters exchanged while Para was in detention and trying to improve his English, I knew he was an exceptional young man, with an astonishing tale to tell,” Alison said

“I am proud to be helping him share his story and to find and thank those people who helped him survive.

“We all have the power to do something; only we can choose whether to use that power for the good.”

The event will be held from 4pm this Sunday March 4 at the Uniting Church, Hesse St. Queenscliff.

Tickets are $30, bookings are essential, with complimentary drinks and finger food served. Funds raised will go towards helping more refugees.

To book or for more information, call Di on 5256 1004, Lyn on 5255 2638 or Jan on 5258 2854.