Left: Fr Kerry with De Nguyen's family sponsored by the Diocese of Cairns,1983 with De absent from photo.
Right: Fr Kerry with De Nguyen and her daughter Hannah 17 June 2024, 41 years later.
Cairns, Australia – In a touching journey of remembrance and gratitude, De Nguyen-Rashid, the youngest of seven children sponsored by the Cairns Catholic Church in 1983, has returned to the city for the first time in 40 years. De, now 44, brought her youngest daughter, Hannah, to visit the place that served as her family's sanctuary after fleeing their war-torn homeland.
In a heartfelt message to Father Crowley, a pivotal figure in their resettlement, De expressed her longing to reconnect with the origins of her new life in Australia. "I have felt a need to return as I have not yet visited Cairns again since we arrived and left the location in 1983," De wrote. She recounted her family's journey and her desire to reconnect with the community that welcomed them four decades ago.
Background: The Nguyen Family's Journey
The Nguyen family, consisting of parents, an uncle, and seven children aged 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, and 16, arrived in Cairns on June 13, 1983, from the Palawan Refugee Camp in the Philippines. Sponsored and supported by the Cairns Catholic Diocese, their journey to safety began in 1981 when they escaped their homeland by boat, navigating their way to the Philippines where they were rescued. The family included five girls and two boys, who began their new life in Cairns with the church's assistance.
Just before Christmas of 1983, De's father drove the family to Brisbane for a work opportunity. The Salvation Army provided additional support during this transition. They left Cairns with heavy yet grateful hearts and loads of Christmas gifts to open en route to Brisbane. Sadly, De's mother passed away in 2000 at the age of 53 from lung and brain cancer, surrounded by her family and community in Qui Nhon, Vietnam, where her physical remains rest. She lived to meet three of her first granddaughters and is now survived by 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren living in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Sacramento, USA.
Reunion
De's letter, filled with nostalgia and appreciation, underscores the significance of the Cairns Catholic Church's role in their resettlement. "Although I have no recollection of our escape, time in camp, and travel and settlement to Cairns Australia since I was only 3 years of age at the time, I have felt a need to return," she shared, highlighting the profound impact of the church's support during a tumultuous period in their lives.
De's story is a testament to the enduring bonds formed through acts of kindness and support. Her journey back to Cairns, a city that once provided her family with hope and a fresh start, symbolises the resilience and gratitude that have defined her life. As she reconnects with Father Crowley and the Cairns Catholic Church, De hopes to relive and honour the memories of her family's remarkable journey.
For De, this visit is more than a trip down memory lane; it is an opportunity to express her heartfelt thanks and to share her story with her daughter, ensuring that the legacy of compassion and community spirit continues to inspire future generations.
The Backstory
Catholic Diocese of Cairns: A Legacy of Refugee Assistance
In a heartfelt recollection, Fr Kerry shared the inspiring origins of the Diocese of Cairns' efforts to assist refugees, a mission that began over four decades ago. His journey started with a visit to Thailand with the Australian Catholic Relief, a development agency of the Catholic Church. While in the northeastern area near the Mekong River, Fr Kerry encountered a group of Laotian refugees who had escaped across the river to find safety in Thailand.
"I saw these people, about fifty of them, huddled together, dripping wet," Fr Kerry recounted. "One of them, speaking broken English, showed me fresh gun wounds in his leg from crossing the Mekong River at night. I felt so humbled by their plight."
Upon returning to Australia, Fr Kerry approached the Bishop, seeking permission to invite refugee resettlement to Cairns. With approval, he reached out to priests across various parishes to begin the resettlement process. Refugees were welcomed at the airport, and the community rallied to provide for their immediate needs.
Housing was a significant challenge, but a breakthrough came when a local Catholic family, Carrie and Ruth Davison, offered their house at 10 Thomas Street to the Diocese for resettling refugees. "I've never encountered such generosity," Fr Kerry remarked, noting the seamless transfer of the house to the Diocese.
In 1983, the first families arrived, spreading to places like Mareeba, Tully, Silkwood, and Innisfail. De Nguyen-Rashid, a member of one of these families, reflected on the initial months in Cairns. "We stayed for six months before moving on, as some had connections in the capital cities," De said.
The impact of the resettlement efforts has been profound, with many former refugees thriving in their new homeland. Fr Kerry proudly shared the success stories of families who have settled in Silkwood, including children who have become doctors, a dentist, and a teacher.
"The catalyst for me was seeing those Laotian refugees in Thailand," Fr Kerry explained. "The resettlement included Vietnamese and Lao people without any selection criteria—just those willing to come to Cairns."
Reflecting on the enduring connections formed over the years, Fr Kerry mentioned De's brother, Van, who has kept in touch through cards and visits. "Van was very enterprising, quickly adapting and excelling in his education."
The Diocese of Cairns' commitment to assisting refugees is a testament to the power of compassion and community support, a legacy that continues to inspire.
