Parked up on the main strip of one of Sydney's most diverse suburbs, Philip Feinstein shared his love this Valentine's day by handing out free musical instruments to refugees and migrants.
"By nature for what music is, it lifts the spirit in people - it's an international language of joy, of feeling good," he said told SBS News as he passed an Indian couple a violin which they will give to a newly-arrived refugee at their church.
Mr Feinstein runs Music For Refugees, a series of music and literature programs designed to ease the burden of life in detention.
He's been hosting classes at Villawood Detention Centre since 2009 and they proved so popular he expanded the program to other detention centres on Manus Island, Christmas Island and Nauru.
Mr Feinstein hands out instruments in Villawood. Source: SBS News
When he found himself with too many instruments, he knew exactly what presents he'd be giving his Valentine's Day.
Passerby Mayak Pou, from South Sudan, couldn't have been more happier to see Mr Feinstein.
Music used to be a big part of his family's lives back home, but since settling into their new lives they haven't found the opportunity to pick it up again.
He nabbed a red electric guitar, which he will give to his son.
"Music means to try to make everyone happy," he said.
"That's what it does to us. This (guitar) will make my son so happy."
Professor Felicity Baker, from the University of Melbourne, said music therapy is often used to help refugees settle into a new country - in particular, to help them overcome trauma.
"Music can be a bridge to heal for people, it allows them to tell their story" she said.
"One of the challenges for people who have been traumatised from the various experiences in their homeland, before coming to Australia, is that they can become quite withdrawn.
"One of the great things about music is that it enables them to connect with other people, and through expressing their emotions they're able to come out of their shell."
For many of the passers-by, it was the first time they've held an instrument since arriving in Australia.
"Music is the kind of thing that soothes your soul whenever you're alone," Ethiopian national Tut Kong said.
For many of the passers-by, it was the first time they've held an instrument since arriving in Australia. Source: SBS News
Mr Feinstein's passion stems from his own experiences; the former refugee fled South Africa in the '70s.
"It was easy then, but at the moment refugees have got it very tough in Australia," he said.
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