Mr Philip Lee, President of the Macleay River Historical Society, has been selected as the ambassador for the 2024 Australia Day Awards.
This honour comes in recognition of Mr Lee’s outstanding contributions to the preservation of local history and his exemplary service to the Kempsey Museum.
Mr Lee, a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honors List, has dedicated over a decade to volunteering at the Kempsey Museum. His passion for history, commitment to community service, and innovative approach have left an indelible mark on the Macleay Valley.
A former IT professional with a 30-year career, Mr Lee transitioned seamlessly into volunteer service, taking the helm as the President of the Macleay River Historical Society in 2012. His tireless efforts include extensive research, collection of historical items, and the authoring of multiple books, ensuring that the rich stories of the Macleay Valley are preserved for future generations.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Leo Hauville, who is also chair of the Australia Day Committee, expressed his delight that Mr Lee has accepted the invitation.
“I am very pleased that Mr Lee has accepted the Australia Day Ambassadorship for the 2024 Australia Day events,” said Cr Hauville.
“Philip Lee is a valued and inspiring member of the Kempsey Shire Community who only recently was awarded a deserved Order of Australia Medal.”
In addition to his OAM, Mr Lee has received accolades such as the Australian Government Volunteer Week Award and a Certificate of Achievement from the Royal Australian Historical Society.
His books, including “Letters from South Africa” and “Streets of Kempsey,” showcase his dedication to documenting the history of the Macleay Valley. Mr Lee’s writing extends to a stint as the history columnist for The Macleay Argus. His column, well-received both locally and internationally, underscores his commitment to sharing the rich tapestry of the Macleay Valley’s past.
Kempsey Shire Council is honoured to have Mr. Philip Lee represent the community as the ambassador for the 2024 Australia Day Awards. His passion for history, dedication to community service, and innovative contributions make him an exemplary choice for this prestigious role.
