About Tony Lee

"All of my life, I've been the little guy championing a fair go for those who feel too shy to speak up.

I'm proud of my culture, values and community and I'm never afraid to be in a room where I stand out from the pack." Tony Lee

As a dedicated member of the community, Tony Lee is committed to bringing positive change to the City of Yarra. With a focus on transparency and accountability, Tony aims to represent the best interests of the residents and ratepayers. His vision includes fostering a strong sense of community and promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Arriving in Australia as a refugee toddler from Vietnam, Tony Lee has dedicated his life to helping others; grateful for those who helped his family out of hardship decades ago.

As a highly experienced, empathetic and motivating Strategic Consultant, University Lecturer and Leader, Tony excels at empowering people, businesses and communities to pursue their dreams and passions proudly and sustainably.

He has helped hundreds of businesses, entrepreneurs and students through his active listening, guidance, ambassdorship and mentorship and he is eager to support the residents and ratepayers of Collingwood to achieve their dreams too.

Throughout his extensive career, Tony has held leadership, advisory and advocacy roles for prominent LGBTIQ+ organisations including Minus18, The Victorian Pride Centre, The Melbourne Queer Film Festival and Switchboard Victoria. He has also served as a Parliamentary Advisor to two Members of the Legislative Council in the current Victorian State Government.

Tony cares deeply about representation, diversity and inclusion, the environment, LGBTIQ+ and gender equality, social justice, education, and animal welfare. He moonlights as a commercial and food photographer and is a regular panellist and contributor to Melbourne's fashion, arts and film culture.

"My resourcefulness, resilience and willingness to fight for what's right and fair makes me a formidable representative for Collingwood and the greater City of Yarra." Tony Lee

Vote 1 Tony Lee, Independent Council Candidate for Collingwood (Hoddle Ward) in Yarra

Tony Lee features amongst other notable refugees contributors for I Came By Boat portrait activism

As an independent council candidate for Collingwood (Hoddle Ward), Tony hopes to use his significant skills and persuasive influence to restore FAIRNESS, TRUST and PRIDE in Yarra Council that has been controlled by well-funded political parties for too long.

Tony currently lives with his family on the fringes of Collingwood and Fitzroy and has worked all over the City of Yarra for well over a decade.