Dr Erum Zehra and her three children initially came to Australia for a 3-month family travel trip to Sydney.
“We were really excited to come to Australia as this was our first international travel with children. We planned to visit the iconic areas including the beaches, the Opera House and the Harbor bridge. The children wanted to see koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles.
Initially in Australia to visit her mother, brother and other relatives, but soon the escalating pandemic situation resulted in border closures, lockdown restrictions prompting a series of flight cancellations.
"It is scary and challenging especially with three children and without a husband stuck overseas," she told SBS Urdu.
In her home country of Pakistan, thousands of Coronavirus cases were being diagnosed on a daily basis while many deaths continued throughout the year, with lockdowns in several areas throughout the country.
Pakistani family came to Australia in April 2020 and left in January 2021 Source: Dr Erum Zehra
“There was lockdown in Australia as well as lockdown in Pakistan, flights were getting cancelled every day, so I opted to get my visa extended and stretch my stay in Australia.
Dr Zehra said that even though she was living with her brother and family members, staying for a long period at someone else’s place is not easy.
“Having a guest family for such a long time is quite difficult."
But what she admired the most, she says, was the way information regarding social distancing and Covid-19 restrictions were passed down by the state and federal governments in Australia, and how community members stood up to the situation and followed the authorities both in letter and spirit.
The children took online classes during their stay in Australia Source: Dr Erum Zehra
“It is great to see in Australia how the community help out each other in difficult times irrespective of so much diversity in cultures and backgrounds. I loved the spirit of volunteering during the lockdown. Several people came out to help others in need."
As the family continued their stay in Australia, they visited several tourist spots, ate out in local cafes and spent the sunny days at the beaches.
“It was challenging not to be able to go back and start working again, but we thought of enjoying our lives when given such a chance. We are at the best place in the world during COVID-10 pandemic, no complaints really."
We were stuck in Australia, can’t go to work or anything else, so why not enjoy the moment.
What also helped the family was the continuation of children’s education during this long period.
“The children’s school in Pakistan offered online classes, so they didn’t miss their learning time during the pandemic.
During this time Dr Zehra’s husband also could not come to Australia and meet the family as only Australian citizens or permanent residents are allowed to enter Australia.
The solution? The family connected via Whatsapp video calls and chats throughout the nine months.
“Social media helped us stay close to each other; sometimes it was challenging but it is all about to end.”
The family has finally farewelled their host country after nine long memorable months.
On the question of what are some of the takeaways from this journey, Dr Zehra said that all of them have added a few words from the Australian lingo.
“My children and I have learned a few interesting catchphrases including good day mate, good night mate or how you doing.
“For us, it was a challenging journey, but no worries.”
