Brimbank Park is in good hands as a passionate former refugee joins the Parks Victoria ranks as a trainee ranger this month.
Hsar Thein Ju, 22, is the first person in the state to be offered a two-year traineeship, awarded for his tireless volunteer work at Brimbank Park and Werribee Park in the past two years.
The Tarneit resident started a community garden vegetable patch in Brimbank Park in the hope of uniting the Karen community.
The Karen people live near the Thailand- Myanmar border.
Werribee Plains chief ranger James Brincat said the garden – as well the the plants he grew in the Werribee Park Nursery – honed Mr Thein Ju’s knack for horticulture.
“After working with him for a few months, it became very clear that he’s a young man who has the desire and aptitude for horticulture,” Mr Brincat said.
“He’s already a pro, and his ability to learn anything to do with the outdoors is amazing.
“He has the makings of tomorrow’s ranger and he has a very gentle way of getting people to work together as a team.”
Mr Thein Ju speaks four languages – Karen, Thai, Burmese and English.
It’s a talent that will be beneficial for community work.
“I’m so excited for this chance,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in flora and fauna, so for me this is a dream job.”.
As part of the paid traineeship, granted through an Australian Migrant Education Service (AMES) and Parks Victoria partnership program, he will complete a certificate III in parks and gardens at Gordon University and spend time in the field.
