Refugee calls WA home

After spending 10 years in a refugee camp in Tanzania, Katanning's Jean Philip Irambona has enjoyed his time adapting to life in country WA.

Mr Irambona left Burundi with his family more than 20 years ago to escape the rising dangers of warfare.

He arrived in Perth in 2006 and alongside his wife and six children settled into Katanning about three years ago.

Katanning received its first refugee family in the early 1970s and with more than 45 nationalities the town was officially declared a refugee-safe zone in March.

"When I arrived in Australia I was happy, we now have this peace," Mr Irambona said.

"I first realised that there are so many different people, from so many different countries, so it is very cultural and has become an enjoyable place to live."

Mr Irambona faces daily challenges including the inability to find work and still support his family, but he said his best option was to come to Australia. "We have challenges, but I think we would have the same challenges anywhere," he said.

"I have two kids in high school, three in primary and one here at home, and it is nice to think my kids will grow up here, I like that, here the community supports each other."

Alongside his involvement in the community, Mr Irambona has brought the music and talents of the Burundi Peace Choir to Katanning.

The choir was originally formed with fellow refugees in the camp in Tanzania and helps support their community back home.

As part of the National Refugee week, which ran last week, Refugee Council of Australia chief executive Paul Power said the week was an opportunity to recognise the great contributions so many refugees have made.

"Our annual Refugee Week celebrations play an important role in increasing the broader community's awareness of refugees' experiences, and the many strengths refugees bring to our municipality," he said.