Stories - June 16, 2026
Swan Hill helps Cambodian couple find safety and belonging
When Cambodian couple Ly Hok Lim and Huo Pheng Chhun (pictured above) arrived in Australia, they were searching for something many people take for granted — safety and the chance to build a better future.
They left their home and family behind and arrived in a country where they spoke little English, knew no-one and faced the challenge of starting over.
Today, the Swan Hill couple speak of something very different: friendship, community and a place they proudly call home.
Their journey is one of One Million Stories being celebrated during Refugee Week 2026. For Intereach, it highlights the powerful role communities play in helping people rebuild their lives.
Through its Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program, Intereach has already supported more than 3000 refugees and migrants, including Ly and Huo, to settle into life in Australia, creating opportunities for connection, confidence and belonging
“Every person who arrives in Australia brings their own story, skills, experiences and dreams for the future,” SETS program manager Cass Hunt said.
Pictured: Women attending a SETS bowls event in Corowa.
“Refugee Week is an opportunity to celebrate those stories and recognise the strength, resilience and contributions refugees make in our communities every day.”
Having lived through the impacts of conflict and instability in Cambodia under the Pol Pot regime in his younger years, Ly was seeking safety, opportunity and a fresh start.
Eventually sponsored by his brother, Ly was resettled in Australia 10 years ago under a Humanitarian Visa. His wife Huo arrived six months ago.
“Australia is a good place to feel safe and there is a lot of support here, from the government and the community,” Ly said.
But settling into a new life was not without challenges.
“The hardest thing for us is the language,” they said.
“Everything is new. We have to adapt to a new environment.”
With support from local services, including AusUnityAid and later SETS, the couple gradually found their feet in Swan Hill.
The practical support helped them improve their English, understand local services and build connections within the community. More importantly, it helped them feel welcomed.
“For a lady like me, living far away in a new environment and culture, it helps a lot,” Huo said.
“I feel happy and safe. I don’t feel lonely.”
Slowly, the fear and uncertainty they once carried began to fade.
“We don’t feel afraid to go out. We can go out and everything is okay,” Ly said.
Simple acts of kindness and understanding, friendly conversations and opportunities to connect with others helped turn uncertainty into confidence and belonging and strangers into neighbours.
“It made me feel warm,” Huo said.
“I feel like we are the same family.”
Today, Ly and Huo continue to build their lives in Swan Hill and are grateful for the opportunities and support they have found in Australia.
“First of all, I would like to thank all the Australian people and the government,” Ly said.
“We feel very lucky to live in Australia.”
This Refugee Week, Intereach is encouraging communities to embrace diversity, learn more about the refugee experience and celebrate the many contributions they make to regional Australia.
For more information about SETS, click here or call 1300 488 226.
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