Joy Zhang: My Working Week

Monday

Joy, fifth from right, with some of the RACS team

I start the week assisting refugees to apply for permanent visas through in-person appointments at Parramatta Outreach. For example, I sit through the application process with two brothers who fled Afghanistan, fearing harm from the Taliban for being Hazara and Shia Muslim. They arrived by boat and were granted temporary visas.  

One brother shows me a photo of the smiling face of his daughter on his phone who was born in Australia.  

Refugees like these brothers have endured incredible hardship and sacrifice so that they can provide a safe haven for their next generation. 

Tuesday 

I am assisting the Justice 4 Refugees team, ‘J4R’, with its fast-track judicial review caseload. I write summaries for some IAA refusal decisions so that RACS can make an informed decision about whether to assist these clients. Once approved, I draft briefs for the barristers who have kindly offered their services pro bono to J4R. The task of briefing barristers so early in my legal career is a new and enjoyable experience for me.  

These clients express their gratitude to RACS. Our J4R service is invaluable to them as their options to be granted protection visas are unfortunately limited. 

Wednesday 

Glorious news! A client I assisted throughout the application process is granted a permanent visa.  

Mahmaud* is an Iranian refugee who fled the Iranian regime with his family by boat, fearing religious persecution. They are now permanent residents after waiting ten years for this day.  

Mahmaud sheds tears of delight over the phone when he hears this news. To add a cherry on top, he brings Persian sweets for all RACS staff to share. A heart-warming day, indeed! 

Thursday 

Today I am assisting the Women at Risk clinic.  

Alina* fled Nepal for Australia fearing harm for herself and her child. She is now appealing her Department refusal decision to the Tribunal. 

We advise her on what to expect at the Tribunal hearing and provide her with hope that she may be able to permanently reside in Australia. 

We also refer her to non-legal support services for financial and housing assistance. 

She is appreciative of RACS’ free and encompassing support which does not discriminate. 

Friday 

It’s “Friday Gozzy Day”. On most Fridays, a RACS staff member will take gozleme orders from our team, and then we will share a cosy lunch outside on the picnic table.  

We share stories of hope and optimism from our clients and enjoy each other’s company. I shall miss these small but warm moments at RACS from my secondment.  

Thank you to RACS for this fulsome, enriching and transformative experience! I am proud to have been a member of the team.

*Names have been changed to ensure privacy