Chanthol was born in 1980 in Cambodia, a year after the end of the khmer rouge regime that decimated the country. Chanthol provides insights into what life was like growing up in poverty and trying to make a life for herself against the odds. Through an international friendship, she came to Australia 5 years ago for a wedding and fell in love herself. Chanthol has found a sense of peace and prosperity, alongside new family and friendships, in her new town Mount Gambier.

Otha has lived in Warrnambool for 18 years and arrived into Australia as a refugee from South Sudan. Otha left South Sudan to study Law in Egypt during the Civil War. Realising it was unsafe to return, he sought asylum in Australia. From the moment he moved to Warrnambool he involved himself deeply in the community, became accepted and is now the first South Sudanese to be elected to local government in Australia. Otha has an inspiring story of will, determination and passion to make a difference in community. 

Helen is originally from Russia and moved to Australia 10 years ago after falling in love with an Aussie. Helen is a city girl at heart and has found a new love for regional living and her new home in the coastal town of Portland. Helen has a bubbly personality, is full of life and laughs, and has plenty of tales to share of how she has come to call Australia home. 

Kaliningrad/Koenigsberg: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/may/31/kaliningrad-the-russian-enclave-with-a-taste-for-europe