Country of origin: IRAN

Mahyar grew up in the big and bustling city of Tehran. He was studying to become an engineer specialising in petroleum drilling and extraction. In the middle of exams, Mahyar had to leave Iran with his family, without even getting a chance to say goodbye to his close friends.

To adapt in his new home country, Mahyar volunteered for Welcome to Australia and would take every opportunity to help people, make new friends, practising English and learning as much as he could about Australia. He also started working towards becoming a surf life saver. He counts the day that he earned his lifesaver “bronzey” and uniform amongst the happiest moments of his life.

Mahyar was recently honored to be nominated as Refugee Youth Ambassador of the Year.