As a member of Wyndham’s newest emerging refugee community, Misagh Zamani has always had to be opportunistic to get what he wants.
The 21-year-old Persian was unable to join a conservatorium to learn how to play the piano in his birth country.
Rather than give up on his dream he managed to convince two teachers at the conservatorium to teach him privately.
Although he’s now an accomplished classical pianist, being from the Bahá’í faith Mr Zamani was not allowed to study at university or obtain any job in the mainly Islamic Iran, so he knew he had to look abroad.
He travelled to Turkey, where he lived for almost two years before coming to Australia seven months ago.
Mr Zamani moved to Hoppers Crossing and began learning English.
He now dreams of studying science and biotechnology, specialising in genetics and cloning.
“When I arrived here I was not very excited because I didn’t know anyone and I missed my family,” Mr Zamani said.
“Now I know people with the same background as me. I know life is good in Australia and I think I can progress quickly here.”
Chief executive of the Werribee Community and Education Centre Jennie Barerra said Persians made up the newest group of refugees in Wyndham, with the influx starting just over a year ago.
“We have about 350 asylum seekers in Wyndham and most of them are from Iran,” Ms Barerra said.
“The recent arrival of Persians adds a level of diversity that we haven’t had in this city before.”
