Alfred medical student wins Victorian Young Australian of the Year 2016

Robbie Gillies, winner of Victorian Young Australian
of the Year 2016

Congratulations to medical student Robbie Gillies for winning the 2016 Victorian Young Australian of the Year 2016 Award! Robbie was nominated as a finalist for the Victorian Young Australian of the Year 2016 on 8 October. The state winners were announced on 28 October 2015. See his acceptance speech.

Robbie was one of CCS's 3rd year Alfred medical students and also the New Mentorship program coordinator. He will be speaking to the 2016 3rd year medical students on 9 February 2016.

See more about Robbie's activities at the Australian of the Year media release, excerpted below:
 
"The 2016 Victorian Young Australian of the Year is 25 year old Canterbury resident Robert Gillies. 
Undertaking three university degrees simultaneously, leading an orchestra and playing for a number of sporting clubs would leave most people exhausted. But not Robert Gillies. He’s also found the time to devote himself to social enterprises that make a difference to some of our most vulnerable citizens. When he’s not studying for his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, his Masters’ in Public Health or Diploma in Philosophy, Robert can be found helping those experiencing homelessness. A Co-Founder of Homeless of Melbourne, Robert is determined to change negative attitudes towards homelessness through his charity clothing store ‘HoMie’. As Executive-Director of Yarra Swim Co, Robert is reviving the historic ‘Race to Princes Bridge’ and leading the push for a swimmable Yarra River. He’s worked as an HIV researcher and served as a director for charities preventing poverty overseas and in remote Indigenous communities. Enthusiastic and determined, Robert is a role model for young Australians wanting to make the world a better place."