Cesar Penuela to remain in Launceston

Mr Penuela's family has been granted a Bridging visa E and will return to work next Monday, bringing weeks of stress to an end.

"It's a big relief for us. I can see Christmas break for us differently. We will be able to celebrate Christmas in Australia and Tasmania, I'm very happy," Mr Penuela said.

Mr Penuela said he was speechless with the amount of outpouring from the community he had received since The Examiner published a story on November 7 detailing his story.

"In the five years we have spent in Launceston we have met a lot of people from school, work, social events, but now we can see all the results of these people coming forward to tell the government about my family and our story.

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"The way I see the future is the same future that my two sisters and my brother have living in their own house and working to raise our kids and take them to school.

"That's my future. I want to enjoy the nation with my kids, enjoy my house, enjoy my life with my wife and give back to the community," he said.

Mr Penuela said he was thankful to everyone in the community and all the people who have shown support through social media around Australia.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer met with federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles last week to discuss Cesar's family case.

Ms Archer described the talks as positive and said Mr Giles advised her of a pathway forward for Cesar and his family that required them to apply for Ministerial intervention.

"I contacted Cesar to advise him of that and with his permission connected him with the Tasmanian refugee legal service who acted immediately to submit the application within 24 hours of the advice from the Minister," Ms Archer said.

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"After The Examiner publicly highlighted the family's plight it was pleasing to see a groundswell of community support for the family.

"I now look forward to continuing working with the family towards permanent residency," she said.

Mr Penuela said he was thankful for all the politicians who came together from all sides of politics to advocate on his behalf.

Local member for Bass, Lara Alexander said the decision to grant Cesar's family bridging visas was fantastic.

"The unsung hero in the whole is the community because the community has pushed so much. It's been an absolute work of love from the entire community to bring Cesar and Claudia and his girls back here," Ms Alexander said.

"It didn't matter what side of politics people were on, it's been absolutely fantastic," she said.

A Gofundme account, set up by Northern Rangers has so far managed to raise $13,800.

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Speaking to the Examiner on November 5, Northern Rangers football club president, Gavin Stone, said Cesar and his family have been part of Northern Rangers FC for a few years and were a great family to have around the club.

"When we found out about Cesar's terrible situation we couldn't believe it," Mr Stone said.

"He is well regarded by those he played with and coached. The parents of his junior team said he was awesome," he said.

Mr Penuela said he was looking forward to restarting his life in the region and was eager to begin his new job.

"We have accommodation sorted for this weekend, and we're already contacting real estate agents in Launceston, applying for the properties," he said.

According to the Home Affairs site, the visa migrants to stay lawfully in Australia while they make arrangements to leave, finalise their immigration, or wait for an immigration decision.

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