Paheer Para was born into an impoverished Tamil family in northern Sri Lanka. He was just five years old when civil war erupted and engulfed the country for nearly three decades. Para was forced to flee his homeland in 2007, boarding a tiny fishing boat bound for Australia. While in detention on Christmas island in 2011 Para began a pen-friendship with Alison Corke, and on his release, Para moved in with the Corke family. He has recently been granted Australian citizenship. 'The Power of Good People' is the collaboration of Alison and Para. Alison Corke is a freelance writer living in Apollo Bay, and an active member of Rural Australians for Refugees.
