Hasar Thein Ju, a refugee from Myanmar, is a man with a green thumb.
The 22-year-old is part of the Karen community, an ethnic minority from southeast Asia, many of whom have spent their lives in camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Mr Ju is a skilled farmer, like many of the Karen community who were raised in the mountainous region, and his agricultural ability has leant a special touch to a community garden in the southwest Melbourne suburb of Werribee Park.
Many members of the Karen community in Melbourne are involved in the volunteer community gardening program, which has blossomed from one veggie patch to three large gardens and reguarly harvested seasonal produce.
In the short time Mr Ju’s been involved, he’s flourished.
“It’s my interest,” he said. “It’s very exciting for me…working in horticulture.”
Parks Victoria was so taken by his passion, they created a role for him, as the Parks’ first horticulture and park ranger trainee.
“He stood out straight away,” Ranger James Brincat said.
“He works like the clappers, he understands what’s going on and he’s a good communicator.”
Mr Ju will work alongside park rangers for two years, while also attending Tafe to complete a conservation land management course.
It’s a dream come true for Hasar. Since his family arrived in Australia from a Thai refugee camp five years ago, he's wanted to give back to the community.
“I was born in the camp, and I grew up in the camp and we don't have enough food, we don't have opportunity.”
“Here, there’s freedom and you can do everything,” he said.
