An environmental exhibition in Melbourne's west has revealed an unlikely group of young leaders in the field of sustainability.
Most have only been in Australia for less than a year, but they've already become well-informed on recycling, waste-management and water conservation.
Iranian refugee Roonilah "Ronnie" Soleiman is one of them.
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After living in four Australian immigration detention centres, his passion now lies in saving water and informing others of his adopted country's challenges.
"We in Australia use more water per person than any other country and it's a big problem," he said.
Project manager Katerina Gaita says many immigrants initially see electricity and running water as endless.
But when they're told otherwise, their attitudes change.
"They're mortified that they might have wasted something they know is precious because they've often had to shower from a bucket in their own country," she said. "They value those resources just as much as we do."
Participants gain vocational skills through programs addressing waste management, recycling awareness and even sustainable cooking.
The program has also been a major factor in helping past graduates secure work experience and employment.
