Village matters

By Melissa Meehan
Twenty years ago he left his home in Danyrel, Sudan to come to Australia – he has not been back since.
The Dandenong resident began his voyage home on Friday night, first flying via Hong Kong to Nairobi, Kenya to Juba, Sudan then Bentiu, Sudan before beginning his trek that could last for up to five days.
On Friday he said he felt both nervous and excited about his journey.
“I am very overwhelmed and excited,” he said.
“I don’t know what to expect.”
While he said he has kept in contact with his family, speaking on the telephone every six months, he could not wait to see them.
“I will be there for six weeks, I have had to factor in the walking – I might not make it there by the first week,” Mr Matchar said.
“It all depends on the weather.”
Leaving behind his wife Nyajani and daughter Marnagh, Mr Matchar said he was intrigued to see how much his village had changed over the years.
“It used to be a whole different world,” he said.
“It is nothing like Australia.
“They had no proper drinking water, no infrastructure, no public transport, no proper health care.”
He said that he hoped to be able to use his experiences in Australia to help villagers.
“I left when I was young so I want to be able to share my life, but I want to be spending quality time with my family,” Mr Matchar said.
He said he expected an emotional and tear-filled reunion.
“It won’t be much time to see them, but in reality I have my family in Australia.”