Seddon resident, and international student advocate Gary Lee has been recognised for his contribution to multiculturalism with induction into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll.
Mr Lee received the accolade at the Multicultural Awards for Excellence ceremony at Government House on December 4.
Born in Malaysia, Mr Lee arrived in Melbourne as an international student himself and more than two decades later is the international education manager with the City of Melbourne.
“I feel extremely proud as this honour reflects the collaborative efforts of many, including my exceptional team, the various community groups I am involved with and the community, especially international students that I am engaged with,” reflected Mr Lee on his induction, the latest in a long list of accolades he’s received for his work in international education, including being named the Australian Day Council’s ‘New Australian of the Year’ in 2016 and recently being awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Not that here’s any chance of Mr Lee resting his laurels.
“I feel very humbled and enthusiastic, and this milestone has no doubt fuelled my passion and commitment to strive for even better successes with and for the community.”
That passion and commitment is reflected in the numerous advisory committees and boards Mr Lee sits on, including North Melbourne Football Club’s The Huddle, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Regional Advisory Council, Crime Stoppers Cultural Inclusion Reference Group and the African Music and Cultural Festival.
“My goal is to inspire people that no matter how busy, we can always find time to give back, one way or another,” he said of the heavy workload.
It’s a goal Mr Lee has well and truly achieved
Cade Lucas
