How an unconventional Australian family became caught in a media storm in Italy
Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion want only the very best for their three children.
For these loving parents that means bringing up their two young daughters and son without the stresses and distractions of modern life.
A few years ago, the Australian family bought a tiny, crumbling house in the Italian countryside.
Catherine Birmingham and Nathan Trevallion live off-the-grid with their three young children in the woods in Southern Italy. Nine
All five members of the family share a bedroom in this off-the-grid home. Nine
The family's compost toilet has caused a stir in Italy. Nine
However, bliss for this family was anything but for Italy's welfare authorities, which last November decided to save the children from their parents, by taking them away, and placing them in a locked-up foster care facility.
Now Catherine and Nathan are in a desperate battle to have their family reunited.
As Amelia Adams reports from the beautiful Abruzzo region of Italy, this case has attracted widespread media attention as people all over the world debate whether the family's off-the-grid lifestyle is idyllic, or idiotic.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade statement
"We understand the separation of children from their parents is deeply distressing and traumatic.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance and is engaging with Italian authorities.
Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment on an individual case."
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