Dandenong, in Melbourne's south east, is widely acknowledged as one of Australia's most diverse suburbs.
In Walker Street, there's an old home which has been converted into a gallery where the local community can exhibit their work.
At the moment some profound images adorn the walls as part of the 2017 'Heartlands' exhibition arranged by the refugee agency AMES.
Personal and real tales of war, oppression and survival are some of the themes depicted in the artworks.
Iranian born Sara Kangarloo's work - inspired by Indigenous dot-paintings - tells of her settlement experience.
"I came to Australia as a refugee myself so to me this is 'Heartland', this is the place I found peace and harmony and as you will see in my paintings all the dots represents each individual person comes to Australia from different backgrounds religion nationality,” Ms Kangarloo said.
For her sister Ava, a victim of family violence in her homeland, her water colour is a demonstration of pride and strength – both for her and other women.
“I feel that it's me - it's me there walking through the life's hardship and walking gracefully and "proudly," and if you look at this picture she doesn't turn her face to the people that wants to bring her down,” she said.
Aghiad Al Atassi escaped Homs, Syria when the crisis took hold.
An artist since childhood, Mr Al Atassi concedes there are times when thoughts and reflections of the war trouble him.
He says painting images of Syria is a form of therapy.
“No words can express about this disaster - sometimes I feel angry because I couldn't do anything to these people just express about - show the people their story,” he said.
The organisation has hosted the annual 'Heartlands' exhibition for six years, says AMES's Laurie Nowell.
“A lot of refugees can't vote - they're not represented so it really can give them a voice in terms of sharing their dreams and passion and culture,” Mr Nowell said.
The exhibition will continue until next month.
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