Hi everyone,

I hope you're doing well.

I'm reaching out with a humble heart to share a personal journey and ask for your support.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving at Ballarat Grammar School as a GAP Assistant, supporting students in various roles, including as a Master on Duty (MoD) in Wigan House and assisting the year 7s and 8s with Inclusive Education, particularly in French and Mathematics. This experience has not only shaped me profoundly but also connected me to a beautiful and welcoming community. Consequently, earlier this year, I was honoured to be offered a second 12-month contract as a GAP Assistant — a role that has brought so much meaning to my life and allowed me to grow while giving back to a vibrant community.

However, when I applied for a new visa to enable me to stay after the current one expires, my application was unfortunately refused by the Department of Home Affairs, citing policy-related reasons. After seeking legal advice, my migration lawyer believes there may have been a jurisdictional error, as the decision appears to have been made based on policy rather than the actual Migration Act and Regulations. He has therefore advised that I appeal the decision through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

While I’m committed to pursuing this appeal, the process comes with a significant financial hurdle — a mandatory appeal fee of $3,496, which I need to raise by 10th July.

I’m doing all I can to meet this cost through personal efforts, and I’m also reaching out to people and communities that have meant the world to me. If you're in a position to contribute — no matter the amount — or even to share this with someone who might be able to help, I’d be deeply grateful.

If helping isn't possible at the moment, please know that your encouragement, prayers, and presence in my life still mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for walking with me on this path.

Thank you,

Nicholas