Born, into Mundari Culture [Tribe], in Jayi, a village in Kerchomba, north of Juba inSouth Sudan, Philip Lako’s childhood was marked by unimaginable hardship. At just10 years old, he was forcibly taken by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA)Philip’s journey in Australia has been nothing short of transformative. He beganworking in agriculture [Donnybrook], then transitioned into aged care and disabilitywhere he worked as a support worker and a Trainer and Assessor. In 2008, heentered the mining industry, after earning a Vocational Education Trainingqualifications in Geoscience and later a Work Health and Safety Qualification. Currently, Philip is working for a mining company as a Senior Safety Advisor andprovides ad hoc Training Services to a Western Australian Registered TrainingOrganisation (RTO) - facilitating the Statutory Position Training, Local GovernmentIndustry Regulation Safety Exam Preparations Workshops, Incident Cause AnalysisMethodology (ICAM) investigations skills and other Safety Related short courses. Philip volunteered for Mercy Care, St Vincent de Paul and is an active member ofthe Perth Rotary which is engaged in social program across the state: PassageYouth Hub , Path of Hope, Kimberely Dental Team and many other projects aimed toimprove the quality of human lives internationally. Philip is a passionate advocate for refugees and migrants, using his personal story toinspire and educate others. He has spoken at national conferences, including theCatholic Youth Conference, and has worked closely with government agencies toimprove services for CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities. One of his most notable contributions was initiating and engaging the then WesternAustralia Premier Mark McGowan’s Government to consider and fund the GoldfieldsMigrant Employment Program (GMEP) Kalgoorlie through the Goldfields CommunityLegal Centre. The project aimed to promote job opportunities and regional living inthe Goldfields to metropolitan communities and assist with attracting and retainingemployees. The pilot program coordinated by Blessings Masuku, was verysuccessful and although, has officially ended, it continues to attract migrantsinterstate many of whom now call Kalgoorlie [Goldfields] Home. Philip has spoken across mine sites, corporates offices, Kalgoorlie and city councils,Schools, Australia Home Affairs Office, WA Office of Multicultural Interest etc., wherehe expressed appreciation to Australia for the life changing opportunity. Philip alsouses the opportunity to thank the mainstream Australian for their generosity andinvites them to get to know the newly arrived migrants better and not only rely onmedia for information on refugees and migrants. Philip’s public engagements attracted media outlets including ABC News and RadioPrograms, Kalgoorlie Miner, Eastern Reporter, Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA,6PR Radio, WA Office of Multicultural Interest. Philip thinks, the best way to integrate well and know the mainstream culture is tohave a network beyond one’s own culture. Philip’s autobiography, The Ten-Year-Old Man, chronicles his life from child soldier toAustralian citizen, offering a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the humanspirit. He continues to mentor youth, advocate for inclusive policies, and buildbridges between communities and government agencies. His message is clear: “We are all human.” Through storytelling, service, andleadership, Philip Lako reminds Australia—and the world—of the strength found incompassion and the importance of giving hope to those who need it most.