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Stephen and Sarah Grandison moved to Noosaville from the UK in February 2011 with their three children Ben (now 13), Tom (12), and Katie (9). Stephen works as a GP at Noosaville 7 Day Medical Centre and has established himself as a popular, invaluable and hard-working member of the team there. The family have embraced the Sunshine Coast lifestyle and are active members of the community and you may have come across them regularly taking part in swimming, tennis, karate, running and Nippers or just simply enjoying a walk with Zeus (seizure response dog for Tom).

The Grandisons are currently going through a challenging process with their application for permanent residency. Their middle child, Tom who is now twelve years of age, has intellectual impairment and epilepsy. Tom has failed the health assessment component of their permanent visa application and they are now in the process of appealing this decision. The department of immigration assessment process estimates the potential cost in financial terms that Tom might have in the future, looking at potential health, educational and social care costs.

Stephen is frustrated because he feels the assessment process is flawed.

“I understand that a government has to have a process in place that takes into account the potential impact of any applicant. The issue we have is with the magnitude of the estimated costs and the fact that these are potential costs only and based on a crude formula”.

“We would argue that the actual government cost of caring for Tom is minimal because his care is currently and will continue to be provided by us as a family. We are in a fortunate position that we have the skills, experience and financial stability to be able to care for Tom ourselves with no need to access government support. As a GP, I look after the sick and vulnerable in the community and regard the mark of a civilized society as being one that shows compassion and care to all. We do not anticipate being a burden on the government or community in fact we would argue the opposite. I strongly believe that we as a family are currently and will continue to be an asset to this community.

Outside of the work I do as a GP, I have raised thousands of dollars for local charity and volunteered time and skills to charity events. Sarah is an assistant age manager at Noosa SLSC Nippers supporting a vital local community club and also volunteers her time teaching swimming for the disabled at Nambour Special School where Tom is a student.”

The Grandisons are seeking the support of the community to appeal their current visa application. They have just three weeks to gain enough community backing to hopefully waive the health assessment decision. If you feel you would like to support them then please contact them directly to write a letter of support, or sign a petition