#445 Limbo

State borders are opening up. Restrictions are easing. And many of us are eager to travel, after a long wait, to see friends and family.

For our last episode of the year, we hear stories of people who are still left in limbo—refugees and asylum seekers held in indefinite detention, and Australian citizens unable to return home.

‘It’s Not Over ‘Til It’s Over’ by Max Rowley and Navin Sam Regi

For months, activists blockaded a makeshift detention centre in inner-city Brisbane, demanding more than 100 refugees and asylum seekers be set free. The activists slept in their cars, held up signs to passing motorists, and served as a support system for the men inside. 

Then the blockade stopped. Was it all for nothing? What happens next?


Photos supplied by Max Rowley

Producers: Max Rowley and Navin Sam Regi

Supervising producer: Mell Chun

Music: ‘Li Fonte’ and ‘Arctic Draba’ by Blue Dot Sessions

‘Every Assistance And Protection’ by Daniel Semo

Exorbitant ticket prices. Cancelled flights. Expired visas. Perhaps worst of all—the feeling that your country no longer cares about you.

Since Australia started placing weekly caps on the number of people who can enter the country, tens of thousands of its citizens have been left stranded overseas, trying to get back in. Some are in dire situations, in dangerous places, stuck there through no fault of their own.

Producer: Daniel Semo

Supervising producer: Sarah Mashman

Original sound design and music by Daniel Semo


All The Best credits:

Executive Producer: Ryan Pemberton

Victorian State Coordinator: Mell Chun

Host: Maddy Macquine

Episode mix and compile: Ryan Pemberton

Community Coordinators: Chloe Gillespie and Danni Stewart

SYN Community Coordinator: Lee Robinson

Social Media Producers: Matilda Fay and Angela Moran

Photo: Max Rowley