Pride of Australia Medals awarded

Vic

Fair Go Medal

Gary Lee

Dancing is a universal language, so when Gary Lee needed to find a way to introduce Melbourne to international university students, dance was an obvious choice. With a group of fellow international students he developed dance group PoisE'n, which has performed in the Lord Mayor's Student Welcome, charity balls and other multicultural events. It was so successful at giving international students a fair go in the community, that Gary has become the International Student and Youth Projects Officer at the City of Melbourne. "Lots of people have been engaged by our programs, even though most don't have any dance experience,'' he said.

Young Leader Medal

Marita Cheng

Growing up in a housing commission flat in a single parent household, Marita Cheng says she was always motivated to achieve. Aside from volunteering and fundraising for many charities, the Melbourne University student has set up Nudge, a pharmaceutical reminder business, and Robogals, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to increase the number of girls studying science, engineering and technology disciplines at a tertiary level. "I try to have a positive impact on the world and contribute to the world in as many ways as possible,'' Marita says.

SA

Fair Go Medal

Deepak Bista

Deepak Bista has called Australia home for around 20 years now. Since arriving he has played a very important roll in the Nepalese community and has helped fellow Nepalese arrivals to settle in to life in South Australia, whilst still keeping their Nepalese culture alive.

WA

Fair Go Medal

Maurice Fong

The 2009 Burswood WA Senior of the Year runner-up, Maurice is well known within Albany as the "Jewel in the Crown". Maurice has a great passion for cooking and has a heart of gold. Maurice and his wife started the first Chinese restaurant in Albany and also ventured into many other business activities in the area. He has taught cooking at Great Southern TAFE, was a volunteer chef for Albany Wheels and a mentor for students at Albany Senior High School. Every year Maurice helps out with Christmas wrapping for charity, and he has been appointed a life member of Albany Sea Search and Rescue.

QLD

Outstanding Bravery Medal

Randhir Shinmarh

On April 30, 2010, Randhir Shinmarh found trouble almost on his doorstep. Awaking to the sound of a speeding car followed by a loud bang, he ran from his home and saw a car in flames at the end of his street. He pulled one person away from the burning car and started to administer first aid. It was then that he noticed another person in the car. Struggling through heat and flames, he pulled the man clear just seconds before the car tyres burst and the whole car was engulfed. Emergency services workers said his actions were life-saving.

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