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Australia prides itself on being a nation of migrants. Apart from Aboriginal Australians, everyone in the country is a migrant or descended from migrants.

But Australia's road to multiculturalism hasn't always been easy. In May 2009, riots and protests broke out after Indian students complained of racism from Australian authorities and other migrant groups.

For Outlook, Sharon Mascall met five people from different countries who have chosen to move to Australia for a fresh start and new home.

David Vincent

Sharon started by meeting David Vincent. David's originally from Sudan. He used to be a child solider but is now studying to be a criminologist in Melbourne.

David has his own theories about the recent violence that's hit the headlines in Australia and around the world.

Majid Shokor

Majid Shokor is an actor from Iraq. He's using drama as a way to give young refugees a way to express themselves. He hopes it will help them stay out of trouble as they struggle to develop a new identity in Australia.

Majid is also using drama to challenge the way that existing Australian citizens see migrants in society.

Monica Taneja

The attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne have not only hit the headlines, they've also put the spotlight on Australia's growing Indian community - who come to study, work or start a new life.

But not all Indians who come to Australia encounter racism and violence.

Monica Taneja lives and works in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. She says she came to Australia to find a quiet life and personal freedom.

Esperance Kalonji

Esperance Kalonji is a clothes designer and tailor. She's originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is now part of a new, growing African community in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland.

Esperance and her family were forced to leave their country owing to civil war.

Like many migrants, they found the move to a new country with a new, unfamiliar culture tough at first.

Rasoul Ahmady

If there's one thing Australia's known for it's sport - and after decades in the shadow of rugby and Australian Rules Football, soccer is growing in popularity with the arrival of migrants who live and breathe the game.

One of them is Rasoul Ahmady, a refugee from Afghanistan.

Rasoul doesn't just play soccer - he coaches South Australia's only dedicated Afghan team.

He believes sport plays an important role in helping migrants feel part of Australia.

About the New Australians series

Outlook reporter Sharon Mascall's been meeting different migrants to Australia. She told Matthew Bannister about the people she spoke to.