Chanthol was born in 1980 in Cambodia, a year after the end of the khmer rouge regime that decimated the country. Chanthol provides insights into what life was like growing up in poverty and trying to make a life for herself against the odds. Through an international friendship, she came to Australia 5 years ago for a wedding and fell in love herself. Chanthol has found a sense of peace and prosperity, alongside new family and friendships, in her new town Mount Gambier.

Otha has lived in Warrnambool for 18 years and arrived into Australia as a refugee from South Sudan. Otha left South Sudan to study Law in Egypt during the Civil War. Realising it was unsafe to return, he sought asylum in Australia. From the moment he moved to Warrnambool he involved himself deeply in the community, became accepted and is now the first South Sudanese to be elected to local government in Australia. Otha has an inspiring story of will, determination and passion to make a difference in community. 

Helen is originally from Russia and moved to Australia 10 years ago after falling in love with an Aussie. Helen is a city girl at heart and has found a new love for regional living and her new home in the coastal town of Portland. Helen has a bubbly personality, is full of life and laughs, and has plenty of tales to share of how she has come to call Australia home. 

Kaliningrad/Koenigsberg: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/may/31/kaliningrad-the-russian-enclave-with-a-taste-for-europe

Berit was born and bred in East Germany and came to Australia, like many Europeans, as a backpacker on a working holiday visa. She has fallen in love with our rural towns and has made Koroit her home - a small Irish village in south west Victoria. Berit offers her personal perspective and insights into life growing up in East Germany under communist rule, and also has a story or two to share about working in a regional community.

Dharshini is originally from Sri Lanka and has been living in Port Fairy for 8 years with her teenage son. It has been a long journey for Dharshini to set up a life in Port Fairy. Under threat in her home country, Dharshini made the tough decision to risk her life and get on a boat to seek asylum in Australia. The decision was well worth it, as she has created a new, wonderful life in south west Victoria.

This episode does have reference to suicide and may be triggering for some, if you need help, please go to:

Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Jimmy, most commonly known as 'Jimmy the Fish', arrived into Australia from Greece and has spent the last 51 years living in Hamilton in south west Victoria. If you have ever bought fish and chips in Hamilton over this period, you likely have met Jimmy and would agree that he certainly loves to have a good laugh and sure is a memorable character.