WALKING WITH THE EXCLUDED
Much of Dindo’s story is carried quietly. He is a loving father, a hard worker, and deeply dedicated to his faith. He balances a demanding manual labour job with regular health appointments, as he lives with chronic health challenges that few people see. Despite this, he has been nominated multiple times as the best employee at his workplace. Dindo is beloved in the community.
Like many people living on temporary visas, Dindo has spent years navigating uncertainty – not only about his future, but about access to the essential supports that allow people to live with dignity.
‘Still, I have joy’, says Dindo. ‘I will get to where I want to be.’
Dindo shares his story as part of the JRS Refugee Leadership Program. (Photo courtesy JRS Australia).
Through JRS’s Schools and Community Engagement Program, he shares his story with students across Western Sydney, helping young people better understand the realities faced by people seeking asylum, and inspiring them to take action.
At Cerdon College in Merrylands, Dindo joined JRS staff for the school’s Social Justice Day, speaking with Year 10 students about what it means to seek safety and belonging in Australia. Rather than focusing on policy alone, the workshop created space for listening, reflection, and honest dialogue.
Students engaged deeply with questions of discrimination, global inequality, and the uneven power of borders. These conversations were grounded in real human interactions, shaped by Dindo’s leadership and the students’ willingness to listen with openness and compassion.
Ana Vella, English, Religion and SOR Teacher at Cerdon College, described the workshop as ‘deeply moving, richly informative, and invaluable in deepening Year 10 students’ commitment to translating their faith into action.’
Dindo shares what motivates him to be part of the leadership program and how he is able to courageously share his story and ongoing challenges with students. ‘I want to encourage [the students] and bring more hope and joy to the students. I want to show them how a good mindset can change your life.’
Students at Cerdon College supported JRS Australia’s Foodbank through a school-wide food drive, contributing essential items for people seeking asylum across Western Sydney. Our Foodbank has become a vital lifeline for families facing extreme financial hardship, and these donations are a tangible expression of solidarity from the community. Solidarity that Dindo inspires.
‘Listening to Dindo speak with such faith moved me in ways I never expected. His story showed me how to trust God even in times of struggle, and challenged me to think about how I can take action for those who cannot support themselves’, says Marie S., Year 10 student
Alongside his leadership work, Dindo continues to navigate the challenges created by Australia’s asylum system. Living on a protracted bridging visa has meant ongoing uncertainty, including insecure access to healthcare, despite working hard to provide for himself and his family.
Dindo lives with a serious health condition that requires ongoing, life-sustaining treatment. When his Medicare access ended late last year, this uncertainty had significant implications for his wellbeing.
‘If I had a choice, I wouldn’t come in [to get ongoing treatment], but I don’t have any choice. It’s a very difficult situation. Without Medicare, I won’t be able to afford the ongoing treatment at the hospital.’
Through close accompaniment by JRS Australia’s Casework and Refugee Leadership team, and in partnership with Life Without Barriers, Dindo was supported to regain secure access to Medicare.
The results of this advocacy offer some peace of mind. And space for Dindo to focus on his health, his family, and his future. He is now on a pathway toward further treatment that we pray offers renewed possibility.
‘I always have a hope even if there doesn’t seem to be any. People have told me lots of negative things over the years – you can’t find a job, you’re too sick to work, no one will help you. Through all of the negativity, I didn’t give up, I prayed to God and God has helped me.’
The JRS Australia Schools Program offers workshops and opportunities for students to hear from a speaker with lived experience of seeking asylum. It also offers practical activities to support refugees such as running a food drive for the JRS Australia Foodbank, or fundraising for essential JRS Australia programs and services. Find out more about the program here. : https://aus.jrs.net/en/advocacy/schools-engagement/
On Friday 26 June, Jesuit Refugee Service will be celebrating a collection of refugee stories through art, music and storytelling through the Refugee Leadership Program. The event will take place from 6pm to 8:30pm at Canva Space, 110 Kippax Street, Surrey Hills. Find out more here: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-refugee-week-exhibition