STEPHEN'S STONE                                                                        

In 1993 at Sydney Airport with his younger siblings and their partners surrounding him, Stephen Khanh awaited the arrival of his parents who he had not seen since he fled to Vietnam in 1981.

“In the airport that day a stone was lifted from my soul which had weighed me down for 12 years” said Stephen.

A self-proclaimed “Boat Person” Stephen was the first of his extensive family to escape the oppressive regime in Vietnam, which had imprisoned his mother and forced him, his father and brothers into hiding.

Stephen recounts his story while sipping a coffee and picking at a pastry near his busy bakery in the Sydney suburb of Revesby. A well-respected member of the Vietnamese community, successful businessman, husband, father of four and conductor of the Revesby Parish Orchestra, Stephen has made his home in Australia.

This April marks 32 years since the fall of Saigon, and the subsequent influx of Vietnamese refugees who risked their lives to make it to Australian shores. Stephen left in the middle of the night to board a secret dilapidated boat with a younger brother and 97 others. They were afloat on the China Sea for four days before rescue came in the form of HMAS Melbourne.

“That is a beautiful memory. There were over a thousand guys on board and they really welcomed us. They entertained us with their brass band as we sat on the deck. It was so peaceful after the terrible journey” he said.

Stephen was taken to Singapore where he was given refugee status before being flown to Sydney.

He was soon joined by younger siblings who he cared for and supported through school in the absence of their parents.

Not all of his family were so lucky. In 1983 Stephen was expecting the arrival of his older sister.

“I was running around the agencies in Sydney looking for her name, but no news. I knew she had tried to escape in a small boat with my uncle. The whole boat must have been lost, a storm or pirates. After a few years we gave up hope”

In 1985 the Vietnamese community named Stephen ‘the best guardian of the year’ in recognition of his devotion to his brothers and sisters. Stephen stressed the value of education to his siblings and the importance of making something of themselves in Australia.

“I am so proud of them. My youngest brother was the first Vietnamese musician to perform on Anzac day. He was only sixteen. Also, my nephew was ‘Young Australian of the Year’ in 2005 and his brother NSW comedian of the year 1999”

Stephen beams as he talks about his family. Now with four young children of his own he feels very lucky to be able to give them a stable life full of opportunities.

When asked how he feels about the so-called boat people now being sent to Nauru and Christmas Island, Stephen’s whole demeanour becomes heavier. Like a little piece of that stone has returned to his soul.

“I feel very sorry for them. When I came it was easy, I was welcomed; it was a different story, a different time. I still believe in the good of the Australian people, but it is in the hands of the politicians”.