Robert Gillies
Robert is a remarkable young man, a Medical Doctor who has shown amazing energy by creating social enterprises to support those in need and to provide creative additions to Melbourne’s culture.
I don’t have time to even mention all his activities, so I have picked some highlights to share.
He has published original HIV research and plays the double bass in the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Doctors Orchestra and has played over 50 games for the Old Trinity Grammarians Association.
Last year he was selected as the Victorian Nomination for Young Australian of the year.
Robert is Co-Founder and Chairperson of Conscious Creative (Aus.) which is the Melbourne charity behind the Homeless of Melbourne advocacy program, the HoMie street-wear fashion label and clothing store, and the Charity Tap social enterprise. Through it’s varied activities, Conscious Creative aims to make caring ‘cool’, donating easy, and ‘receiving’ dignified for those in need throughout Australia.
He is Co-Founder of Yarra Swim Co, a not-for-profit organisation that is reviving the historic ‘Race to Prince’s Bridge’ on the Yarra River in Melbourne, designing Australia’s first ever urban river pool, and leading the push for a cleaner, swimmable Yarra River.
Robert spent three months at The Youth Centre is the heart of Maningrida, an indigenous community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The Youth Centre provides programs for young people to learn about themselves, their community and their country. It also provides vital services for disengaged young people, and allows them to explore their place in the community.
Robert is an inspiration to us all.