“My First book…. May not be the last”

Left: Cover of the recently published book, "Home to Biolela"; Right: Priya Nadesalingam and her family arrive in Biloela after many years in immigration detention centres, Fri 10 June, 2022

Left: Cover of the recently published book, "Home to Biolela"; Right: Priya Nadesalingam and her family arrive in Biloela after many years in immigration detention centres, Fri 10 June, 2022

"Home to Biloela: The Tale of the Tamil Family Who Touched Our Hearts," published by Allen & Unwin, unveils the remarkable journey of a Tamil refugee family that captured the collective empathy of Australia. The book delves into the compelling narrative of their plight and the resilient battle waged by a tight-knit rural community to secure their freedom.


In her inaugural role as an author, Priya Nadesalingam collaborates with Rebekah Holt to recount the poignant tale. Priya intimately shares her childhood experiences in war-torn Sri Lanka, the harrowing journey across the Indian Ocean aboard a crowded fishing vessel, and the subsequent years spent in various immigration detention facilities.

Kulasegaram Sanchayan engages in a conversation with Priya about the book and her forthcoming endeavours.




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