Tuesday, 4 March 2025

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (13:50): I wish to pay my respect to the life of a truly great Victorian, David Jones AO OBE Knight of St John. I have often said that I was blessed to have wonderful parents but even more blessed that they chose to surround my brother, sister and me with truly great people whose examples in life inspired us. David Jones was one of those people. David was a managing trustee of Tattersall’s and one of Victoria’s great visionaries and philanthropists. David was president of the Melbourne Cricket Club from 2003 to 2007 and led the club through a transformational period that included the club’s 150th anniversary; the construction of the new northern stand, including the new members reserve; and the appointment of the club’s first female committee member. During his time as managing trustee of Tattersall’s, he was caring and compassionate. He knew all the agents by name, and Tattersall’s was very much a family. His role as managing trustee also enabled him to support many great charitable and community projects, including major support for hospitals, the Very Special Kids pink pig fundraiser and the Melbourne 1996 Olympic bid, but the project that I will remember him for most is the parade of champions outside the MCG. Every time I visit the G and pass by the 16 statues of great Victorian sporting identities like Betty Cuthbert, Shirley Strickland, Shane Warne, Dennis Lillee, Kevin Bartlett and Ron Barassi, I will think of the great Victorian who made this possible, a man who I was fortunate to know and call a friend. I extend my deepest condolences to David’s children Richard, Vicki and Peter, their families and David’s extended family and friends. Vale, David Jones.