19 October 2010
Gary's double honour
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, congratulates Gary Lee on his two awards.
Mr Lee with the Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, and the Young Victorian of the Year 2010, Wesa Chau.
Related stories
- Images of a global world awarded 30/05/2013
- Global Studies Week at RMIT 20/05/2013
- RMIT students in Airbus challenge final 16/05/2013
- Careers Fair attracts future workforce 19/04/2013
- RMIT teams make Airbus competition finals 03/04/2013
- International design award for RMIT fashion grad 28/03/2013
Former RMIT University student and staff member, Gary Lee, has received an Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs and a Pride of Australia Medal for his work promoting multiculturalism.
Mr Lee spent almost 12 years at RMIT, first as an international student from Malaysia, then as an Administrative Officer at the University Secretariat, an International Student Advisor and as an Education Abroad Advisor. He now works for the City of Melbourne.
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, congratulated Mr Lee on his awards, which recognise the work that he has done with and for international students since arriving in Melbourne in 1997.
"In 1997, I founded PoisE'n, a not-for-profit dance collective run through RMIT Union Arts that empowers international students through performing art, run solely by volunteers," Mr Lee said.
"PoisE'n has performed in countless community and cultural festivals, University events and charity fundraisers throughout Victoria, giving international students in Melbourne the opportunity to engage actively with the community and to bridge cultural gaps.
"As a member of the RMIT International Student Information and Support unit I worked with student groups in organising events such as Harmony Day, Japanmania, Chinese New Year and Bollywood parties and the World Week festivals."
Mr Lee, in conjunction with UNESCO, also facilitated programs to bring international students to rural Victoria for cultural exchange programs.
The Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs is presented by the Victorian Government for outstanding achievement in promoting the linguistic and cultural diversity of Victoria's multicultural communities.
The Pride of Australia Medal is awarded by the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun to honour those "who give of themselves without fear or favour".
