Sometimes small things can make big differences.

And for Karen refugee Eh Hta Dah Shee (Dutchie), a small act of inclusion has transformed his life.

Suffering depression, loneliness and a lack of confidence, the 24-year-old with learning difficulties was given an opportunity to volunteer in the gardens at Werribee Park.

Meaningful work with Parks Victoria has given Karen refugee Dutchie a whole new lease on life

Since then he has blossomed into a happy, confident and valued member of the team managing and maintaining the park’s vast gardens and orchards.

And this month – four years after he started volunteering in the gardens – ‘Dutchie’ saw a dream come true after being offered and taking up an internship with Parks Victoria.

He is fuelling his passion for plants and horticulture by working outdoors amongst idyllic surrounds at Werribee and plans to complete a qualification in horticulture.

After arriving in 2016 from a refugee camp on the Thai Burma border Dutchie studied at a community school.

But when he finished school his life went into a downward spiral; left at home on his own when his mother went to work he suffered depression and loneliness.

‘Dutchie’ says working at Werribee Park has given him purpose and a meaningful life.

“I am very happy here. It is good to come here and do something. I love working with plants and working with the people here is good,” ‘Dutchie’ said.

He said life in the refugee camp was very tough.

“There was not much to do and no opportunities but life is much better here for us,” he said.

“In Thailand I knew nothing about growing plants and I could not speak English but now I am learning about horticulture and I can speak to people in Australia in English.

“Also I was very shy and nervous when I came to Australia but now I am more confident and happy,” he said.

Werribee Park head Ranger James Brincat said ‘Dutchie’s’ mother first brought him to the park to try to get him involved with other people.

“Dutchie has been with us for four years as a volunteer and more recently he has been undertaking an internship with us,” James said.

“He has a learning disability but when it comes to horticulture, he is perfectly able,” he said.

“His mum told us how proud she was of him and how important it was for their community to see Karen people in a park ranger uniform,” James said.

He said ‘Dutchie’ and fellow Karen refugee Hsar, who is a Parks Victoria apprentice Ranger, open the park each day.

“They physically open the gates and some buildings, manually turn the irrigation pumps on and off, conduct site safety checks and report any incidents or property damage that requires immediate follow up.

“Their tasks across any week include checking water storage levels, irrigation, garden re-vitalisation work, seed-raising and propagation in the nursery and working with the volunteers,” James said.

‘Dutchie’ and Hsar were referred to Parks Victoria and supported by settlement agency AMES Australia as part of a partnership program that facilitates training in horticulture for young refugees.

Each month 3500 volunteer hours are essential to the upkeep of Werribee Park’s extensive grounds and facilities.

These hours are put to work conducting tours in the Mansion; and assisting in the State Rose Garden, heritage orchard, community garden and formal gardens.

Many Karen refugees volunteer in grounds growing vegetables, pruning, and weeding as well as looking after the chooks.

If you are interested in volunteering at Werribee Park, contact James Brincat on 0418 131 684 or via email: james.brincat@parks.vic.gov.au  or Colleen Miller on 0410 164 468 or via email: Coordinator@wmcn.org.au.

Laurie Nowell
AMES Australia Senior Journalist