Fashion designer Abdul Rahman Sazzoh didn't want to leave his homeland of Sierra Leone, but says he was forced to by violence.
"I fled for my life," he said.
"I was tied up, they looted my school."
He also witnessed the death of a good friend, and lived for years in a refugee camp before coming to Australia under the humanitarian program.
"Thanks me to the almighty God, I am here," he said.
About two million people were displaced from their homes during Sierra Leone's 11 year civil war, which ended in 2001.
About 3000 have since resettled in Australia under the humanitarian program.
This week the Sierra Leone community of South Australia joined together to hold thanksgiving services to show their gratitude to Australia and to raise money for the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Newly-elected chairperson of the Sierra Leone community of South Australia, Constance Jones, said she hoped all of Australia would hear their message.
"We want them to recognise that we're here to help, and support, also. Not only to take," she said.
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