Honour for animal rights

Jan Wilson was among 25 new inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
The posthumous honour recognised the late Dandenong North MP and Dandenong councillor for her advocacy to improve animal welfare practices across the state.
Mrs Wilson joined more than 600 women named on the Honour Roll since it started in 2001.
Each year it celebrates exceptional women in Victoria who have made significant and lasting contributions to their community, the nation or the world.
“Too often, women’s achievements and contributions are not recognised, despite leaving a lasting impact on their communities,” Minister for Women Fiona Richardson said.
“Mrs Wilson left behind a meaningful legacy that demonstrates the change that women can lead across government and the community.”
Mrs Wilson migrated to Australia from Scotland in the early 1960s and in 1977 became the second woman to be elected to the City of Dandenong.
She represented the North Ward until 1986, and in 1985 was elected the first member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the new seat of Dandenong North.
Her time in State Parliament included the racing, local government, aged care and consumer affairs portfolios.
Following her retirement from politics in 1999, Mrs Wilson was appointed to the board of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) and shortly afterwards became chairwoman.
GRV started reforming its animal welfare practices during her time as chairwoman and established the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) to rehome greyhounds that were unable to race.
Her 10 years of leadership also resulted in unprecedented growth in the industry.
In 2009, Mrs Wilson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the racing industry and to animal welfare.
She died on 5 March 2010.
“Throughout her life Mrs Wilson made a remarkable contribution to our community,” Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said.
“Her extensive work in both local and State Government ensured that there was a voice for all Victorians – great and small.”