BURMESE refugee Peh Boo has forged a new future for himself in Mount Gambier since settling in the South East 10 years ago.
Mr Boo moved to Australia in 2009 with his parents after 25 years living in a refugee camp in Burma.
His decision to call the South East home was settled when he was employed in One Forty One’s nursery – a role he has held every planting season since.
Mr Boo described his job as more than just work, stating it had given him the opportunity to learn new skills, a new language, as well as a new way of life.
He said it also allowed him to feel like he and his family truly belong to the region.
“I came to Australia when I was 33 with my parents,” he said.
“I had to learn English and get a job because living in a refugee camp all that time meant I did not have skills needed for working, so I had to learn.”
With the sun shining down on a pleasant May working day, Mr Boo said it was easy to enjoy work at the nursery.
Like many who work in the nursery, Mr Boo said the seasonal employment enabled him to create a bright future in the region, while feeling as part of the community.
“My reason for loving the work is simple, here I am free,” he said.
