My parents sent me to Melbourne to study. At first, I was really reluctant to leave Malaysia, and nervous about being alone. But on my third day here, I picked up a magazine from RMIT and saw they were looking for officers for their student association. Joining that association changed my life. I was appointed Publicity Officer in my first year, and President the next, and the work we did really started my passion for making a difference.
A big turning point for me was when I volunteered for the Royal Children’s Hospital, working in the Starlight Express Room with critically ill children. For two years, 4 hours a week, I worked with a team of volunteers to make the play center the best place ever, so the kids could forget about their condition and just enjoy themselves. Initially, I thought it would be an easy task but when I heard the children’s stories, and their parents confided in me, it was quite difficult. I lost a few kids during my time, which was very hard, but I thought if I could have at least just made someone happy for an hour or two, that was enough.
Since then, I’ve always looked for opportunities to give back whenever I can. I’ve worked for 8 years as a Youth Project Officer in the City of Melbourne, running programs and events for young people, including international students. And I spend most of my hours outside work volunteering, that’s how passionate I am about it. I’m an Ambassador for Welcome to Australia and Bully Zero Australia Foundation, and I also do some work for the AFL Victoria’s Multicultural Program as well as Melbourne Victory. The thing I really like is bringing people together into a space where they can exchange ideas, and make new connections.
Gary
Malaysia
Arrived 2001
Do you live in Adelaide? Were you born overseas? Would you like to tell your story? Please email us on newhumansofoz@gmail.com
#migrants #migration #storiesnotstereotypes #inspiration #Malaysia #Australia #Melbourne
You do a fantastic job!
You are a champion Gary..Wow! What an effort! Keep on doing what you are doing…
Gary you are inspiring! Thank you for making a difference to people who are facing life’s biggest challenges.
Bloody legend Gary.
Thank you so much for your amazing contribution to our beautiful city (and country(
Do you live in Adelaide? Were you born overseas? Would you like to tell your story? Please email us on newhumansofoz@gmail.com
Thank you for all that you do!
Gary Lee! You are an absolute star!!! 🙂 Steven Weir Natalie Warren Emmajane Braden Rachel Maguire
Go Gary Go! You’re amazing and an example for us all.
Gary, you’re making the world a better place ❤️
Love your story Gary. You are an inspiration! I’m very proud to know you and get to work with you at CoM! ????????????????☺️
What a champ! Love your work Gary!
Fabulous you made Australia home!
how amazing are you! Time for me to step up and help more
Wow Gary, our gain having you in Australia and what wonderful work you are doing. Welcome to Australia and sharing my country with people like you is a wonderful privilege for Australia.
We are so LUCKY to have you here Gary. I am touched by your spirit and the action you’ve taken to ease others pain & bring joy. Thank you!
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We truly have some wonderful, inspirational International students in Australia. Love my job.
Australia is so lucky to have you Gary.
So proud to see your face here, Gary! You are an amazing person who has achieved so much, Australia is lucky that you moved here!
I first met Gary when I was on a Contiki tour of Europe. He is so charismatic and friendly to every body he meets. He can walk into a room and leave with new friends.
Proud of you Gary????
Ray thought you might be interested in this one
legend! lucky to have you. xo
Gary you are amazing. Thank you for all your efforts and hard work <3
Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement. From an early age, I knew that if I wanted to change things, I had to rattle some cages, take risks, be courageous and go for the bold. When you step out of the mould and create spaces for creativity, you will get judged, but that’s OK. Persist. Find your edge, and push right through it.
Redefine success. Be different. Be bold. There is so much brilliance in the imperfection. This is your life – make it epic! We can all make a difference.
Thank you NHOA for the support!
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