Hundreds rally to keep Apollo Bay farmer from being deported

HUNDREDS rallied in Apollo Bay yesterday in support of a local dad who has been held in immigration detention for about six months.

Christian Feetham (pictured) was born in New Zealand to an Australian mum and English dad, and moved to Australia when he was 13 months old.

The 42-yearold father of three is fifth-generation Australian on his mother’s side, but has been put in detention and is facing deportation.

Mr Feetham has a criminal history, but says he turned his life around since he was released from jail in 2014.

The Migration Act was amended that same year, meaning non-citizens who failed a ‘character test’ could be stripped of their visa.

Mr Feetham failed the test, and his permanent resident visa was cancelled. Between 200 and 300 people attended the ‘walk in sup- port of Christian’ event at his family’s Apollo Bay property yesterday.

Mr Feetham is in a detention centre in Broadmeadows, which he describes as worse than prison.

It takes his partner of two years, Prudence Gregson, three hours to get to the centre for visits. Ms Gregson and others, including the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce president John Gorman, spoke at yesterday’s rally. Ms Gregson said they had recently found out Mr Feetham’s application for citizenship by descent was unsuccessful.

“We are also still waiting for intervention from a minister which was applied for six months ago,” she said.

“I’m running on empty. I’m completely exhausted and overwhelmed. But the love and compassion is keeping me together … and the support from the Apollo Bay community.”

Mr Feetham works on his family farm and in construction. “The support I have had from and my family, friends and the community of Apollo Bay and surrounds is very emotional and heartfelt,” he said. “The walk in support (event) is not only for myself, but for all Australian families that have been torn apart by the section 501 legislation.

Picture: Stephen Harman STRONG Geelong has flexed its muscles with some heavy lifting to raise cash for Geelong’s sick kids.The gym’s initiative, raising money for the Barwon Health Kids Appeal, put its participants through their paces on Saturday.The target of $20,000 was surpassed, with more than $21,200 raised as of yesterday afternoon, while counting of donations was ongoing.Strong’s weightlifters were seeking donations for each kilogram they deadlifted or rep they completed on Deadlift for Donations day. HEAVY LIFTING: Sam and Rixon ‘help’ Tyson Morrissy lift some weights at his Strong Geelong gym during the fundraiser.The gym’s Tyson Morrissy, who is the strongest man in Australia under 105kg, says the Deadlift for Donations drive was an opportunity to help sick kids and their parents.“An exercise, rehabilitation and movement facility like the proposed kids centre can dramatically improve the quality of life of those who need it,” he said.“Going to the gym has left a significant imprint on our own lives and we see Deadlift for Donations as an opportunity to help others.”Mr Morrissy said Strong Geelong would look at making the event, with Saturday the first, an annual occurrence.Strong Geelong operates at Balliang St, South Geelong. TAMARA McDONALD