Skip to Main Content

Old Haileyburians Association

Congratulations Giles Gunesekera (OH 1991)

The OHA congratulates Giles Gunesekera (OH 1991) on being awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to social welfare and community services. Giles’ life in community service started with his Mum and helping her to deliver Meals on Wheels to the elderly at the age of seven.

His recognition of an Order of Australia acknowledges the incredible amount of time Giles has spent volunteering.

“I have volunteered and served on many Boards, but I have received so much more in return,” said Giles.

“I have volunteered and served on many Boards, but I have received so much more in return.”
Giles Gunesekera

“Volunteering has provided me with new skills and, more importantly, the opportunity to be surrounded by diverse people and organisations doing extraordinary things. I am thankful for the life that I have been gifted and believe that every human being is special, but sadly injustice and discrimination endure.”

Giles has served a large number of organisations. More recently these have included Amnesty International, University of Technology (Sydney), The Sunrise Project and Volunteers to Assist Children with Disabilities (VACD USA).

Giles is a proud migrant and he has a huge appreciation for the sacrifices made by his parents.

“My parents left their country of birth in Sri Lanka to seek a better life in Australia and I will always be grateful for the enormous sacrifice they made for their family,” he said.

Kylie Phillips

Development Office Operations Lead