Moving to Australia has not been easy for Dandenong's Gordon Koang, but he is used to the challenge.
Blind since birth, the South Sudanese musician arrived in Australia on a bridging visa last year and hopes to gain permanent residency.
From civil war to living in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, and dependence on his wife for the simplest of tasks, he has been able to translate what he cannot see into music and lyrics, writing songs about unity, humility, love and forgiveness.
His wife and six children are still in Sudan, and Mr Koang sends the money he makes from concerts back to them.
It was only when Mr Koang was referred to Vision Australia that he started to learn the skills necessary to live independently.
He has also been trained to start using a white cane and is now confident enough to catch public transport or a taxi on his own.
"In Sudan, there are no services like this for people who are blind," Mr Koang said.
"I lived in a world where I was dependent on my wife for everything, even to go to the toilet.
"In Australia, the people are more aware of blind people, which makes me feel safe, and I am learning to do so much more for myself." To hear Mr Koang's music, search for Gordon Koang on YouTube or Google his name.
Media enquiries to Rebecca McLean, 0403371559.