FOR 16-year-old South Sudanese refugee Moung Dut, being able to make a new life with his family in Australia has opened up a world of opportunities he never thought possible.
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The talented young rugby league player and James Sheahan Catholic High School student says he would like to pursue a career in the fitness industry.
“I have had lots of opportunities since coming here,” he said.
Moung has been selected to tour Papua New Guinea as part of the NSW Rugby League Young Achievers’ Tour.
“When I came to Orange with my family I was only five and so I don’t remember what it was like before, but I do hear my parents talking about it sometimes,” he said.
Moung said he felt welcome from the time he and his siblings settled in to school.
“Orange is a very good place to live. It’s been very good to my family,” he said.
At the launch of the Refugee Week exhibition at Orange City Library on Monday night, Orange residents are invited to hear Moung tell the story of his family’s flight from war-torn Sudan and their journey to Australia.
The family settled in Orange as part of the city’s refugee support program, which began more than 10 years ago.
Moung’s father Dut Dut and his wife Miriam have six children and two grandchildren.
After Mr Dut’s father was killed in civil unrest in Sudan, his mother encouraged her son to leave Sudan for Egypt, as many young men and boys were being targeted and killed.
Shortly afterwards, in 2004, the Duts were accepted to come to Australia.
Mr Dut is now a leader for Orange’s South Sudanese community.
Monday night’s launch begins at 5.30pm at Orange City Library.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
