Home » 2017 » Safe and sound

Safe and sound

WHEN Afghan refugee and Swan Hill resident Tahera’s husband left the couple’s homeland on an arduous boat journey, she did not know it would be two years before she heard from him again.

Tahera’s husband fled Afghanistan in 2000 to secure his safety and with the hope of creating a better life for his young family. 

He endured an arduous boat trip and landed on Australian shores. It would be another six years before he saw them again.

Tahera remained in Afghanistan for two years and later relocated to Pakistan where the situation was a little safer. 

It was while there she found out her husband was alive and safe in Australia. 

Her two daughters were aged five and seven when their father had left. 

Tahera lived with her mother-in-law and recalled the period of sadness and worry.

In 2006, she was finally granted access to Australia through a sponsorship from her husband.

For more on this story grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (June 22)

Digital Editions


  • Action-packed tractor pull

    Action-packed tractor pull

    THE 49th Quambatook Tractor Pull has been hailed a major success, drawing a strong crowd on Easter Saturday despite cost‑of‑living pressures, high diesel prices and…

More News

  • Speedway heats up in April meet

    Speedway heats up in April meet

    THE clay was flying off the track at the April Sonic Speedway meet on Sunday night, with crowds gathered in car boots and on picnic blankets to enjoy the high-speed…

  • Moulamein bustling over Easter

    Moulamein bustling over Easter

    YABBY races, photography exhibitions, bowls and river fun had Moulamein full of activity over Easter weekend, with visitors and locals making the most of the sunshine about town. Moulamein Heritage…

  • Family reunites for annual Easter tradition

    Family reunites for annual Easter tradition

    THE Johnson and Wright clans have returned to the stretch of Murray riverbank they have called home every Easter weekend for about 70 years. Matriarch Wendy Johnson said the tradition…

  • Golfers hit the green

    Golfers hit the green

    MURRAY DOWNS MEN’S 4BBB Stableford, Thursday, 26 March Eighty-four players teamed up for the 4BBB Stableford competition last week with Wayne Such ticking off a bucket list item for every…

  • Bustling with Easter activities

    Bustling with Easter activities

    Gallery exhibition THE gallery will be open on Easter Saturday, serving coffee and scones for anyone who would like to view the 150th celebration photos. This collection is a wonderful…

  • All abilities netball a success

    All abilities netball a success

    A MODIFIED netball program for people of all abilities has just concluded at The Stadium Swan Hill, after four weeks of foundational skills and friendly games. Participants from WeAreVivid, Echuca…

  • Water buybacks ‘wasteful’

    Water buybacks ‘wasteful’

    A FRESH political fight has erupted over water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin, with farmers, the Coalition and the Federal Government at odds over their impact on rivers and regional…

  • Public reminded to lock vehicles

    Public reminded to lock vehicles

    POLICE have reminded the community to secure and lock up vehicles and homes after an increased number of thefts reported in the last week. SWAN HILL THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE…

  • Demolition for ageing amenities

    Demolition for ageing amenities

    WORKS to remove the decommissioned Swan Hill Showgrounds precinct northwest toilet block have commenced, addressing ongoing issues and safety concerns. Swan Hill Rural City Council director of infrastructure Leah Johnston…

  • Students switch off in classrooms

    Students switch off in classrooms

    ST MARY MacKillop College is urging a balanced approach to Victoria’s sweeping school device ban, warning education must go hand-in-hand with restriction. As the Victorian Government moves to expand its…