Leongatha locals back popular Kiki to stay

LEONGATHA community members are rallying around Ariane ‘Kiki’ Joseph and her daughter Elisabeth who face an uncertain future in Australia awaiting the outcome of Kiki’s application to be granted a Carer Visa to enable her to continue supporting her aunt Marie-Claire.

Since her 2019 arrival, Mauritian Kiki has been a carer for Marie-Claire who is blind and has other health issues, enabling her to remain at home, with Kiki also finding time to throw herself into community life.

While not permitted to undertake paid work, Kiki volunteers at The Salvation Army and St Peter’s Church opportunity shops in Leongatha.

An experienced singer who loves performing jazz numbers and has an album in her native Creole language, Kiki has joined Leongatha group the ‘Treble F Singers’, is an active member of the town’s St Laurence’s Church and part of its choir, and is learning the trumpet as part of the South Gippsland Brass Band.

She has also joined the popular Leongatha Lyric Theatre group and has a passion for creating a variety of craft items.

Kiki and her daughter continue to be supported by Kiki’s sister Annick Cerdor who has also cared for Marie-Claire but is unable to continue devoting sufficient time to the task given her career in the disability field.

Kiki initially applied for a Carer Visa in 2019, being granted a Bridging Visa while the outcome was determined, with a requirement not to undertake paid work.

The Carer Visa application was ultimately refused on the basis that Marie-Claire has other relatives in Australia who can care for her.

Annick explained that while there are other relatives, a mixture of factors including location and work responsibilities prevent some from caring for Marie-Claire, while others have no interest in doing so.

Kiki was given 35 days to lodge an appeal against the decision to deny her a Carer Visa, incurring an initial $3,500 expense, with more substantial costs to follow.

She and her daughter face a potential three-year wait for an appeal outcome, with Elisabeth having completed school in Leongatha and now in a state of limbo because she can’t do paid work.

Kiki is always busy and engaged in local life, with her warm personality and active community interest prompting the support she now enjoys from locals.

Bernadette Grainger, a fellow member of both the ‘Treble F Singers’ and Lyric Theatre, summed up the sentiment of many.

“She’s been embraced by so many people in Leongatha and we want her to stay,” Bernadette said, adding that Kiki makes a positive addition not just locally but to Australia.

Another supporter, Tarnya Wilson, also part of the singing group, highlighted the value Kiki brings.

“She’s a genuine member of the community, not just living here,” Tarnya said.

While Marie-Claire has some government-funded support through a care package, that only entitles her to have a carer provided for an hour a day, not including weekends.

Although appreciative of that care, it is insufficient on its own to meet her needs.

Marie-Claire said she often ended up in hospital before Kiki’s arrival and did not eat well.

“I get all the care I need plus spiritual support,” she said of Kiki’s companionship, adding that she now enjoys delicious and nourishing home-cooked food including some favourite Mauritian delights.

When asked what she would do if Kiki had to leave, Marie-Claire’s answer was to the point.

“I prefer not to think about it,” she said.

She explained that Kiki is able to provide her with one-on-one care and the chance to remain in her own home, something that is important to Marie-Claire.

Should Kiki be granted a Carer Visa, she would be eligible for a Carer Allowance helping provide a source of income.

Marie-Claire said that Kiki must have her own life too and would be in a position to supplement her income with part-time work should she be permitted to undertake paid employment.

Anne Vaughan knows Kiki through St Laurence’s Church and said there are plans to organise a fundraising event to help cover legal costs and visa-related fees.

“She loves to help,” Anne said of Kiki’s community-minded outlook.

Kiki expressed her appreciation for the many people who have got behind her.

“I can only be grateful; this is where everyone would love to be, when you feel supported,” she said.