Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Members statements

Lynne Wannan

Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Public Transport) (13:01): I rise to commemorate the life of Lynne Wannan, AM, and offer my condolences to her husband, Hayden; her daughter Eliza, here today; and Tom and family. Lynne was passionate about the west, about having good services and infrastructure and about improving the educational and life opportunities of young people. Sadly, Lynne passed away in June.

As the new member for Williamstown, I am acutely aware of Lynne’s legacy in the community. In the 1970s she was involved in the Western Region Council for Social Development. In the 80s, she was manager of community services in Sunshine and oversaw much-needed youth programs. She also helped establish Victoria University, of which she was founding deputy chancellor. With Terry Bracks, she started Western Chances, which has helped over 3000 young people in the west to finish and extend their education and career opportunities. Lynne was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 for services in the area of social policy, education and children’s services, and she was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2009.

Lynne was a nationally recognised expert and advocate in early childhood services. She served as chair of the Adult, Community and Further Education Board, she served on the Victorian Skills Commission and she was a director of the Victorian Office for the Community Sector. Lynne was much loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.