Paris Aristotle started the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture in 1988.
Today, he leads a team of more than 200 helping refugees recover from torture and trauma, with services in mental health, general health, advocacy, education and community services.
Now, he is Victoria's nominee for 2017 Australian of the Year, the winner to be announced on Australia Day in January.
Mr Aristotle has also worked in refugee resettlement with the United Nations and as an adviser to the government on refugee, asylum-seeker and multicultural policy.
He says working with people who have survived trauma inspires him to continue with his work.
