By Vanessa Chircop
TERRY Bracks and 19 other women were inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women last week.
The Williamstown resident is the founder and chairwoman of not-for-profit organisation Western Chances.
The organisation assists talented and self-motivated young people in the Western suburbs to realise their potential through the provision of scholarships and other related programs.
Mrs Bracks is also an active member of Hobsons Bay’s community. She’s this year’s patron for the Williamstown Literary Festival and is on the board for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Mrs Bracks, who was nominated by Hobsons Bay City Council, told Star she was thrilled and honoured to be an inductee.
“Given the types of other women that are in that group made me feel really humbled,” she said.
The wife of former Victorian premier Steve Bracks was the only woman from the West inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women this year.
Mrs Bracks said this was particularly humbling considering her work with Western Chances.
The inductees were announced by the Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Wooldridge at a ceremony at the National Gallery of Victoria.
“Their achievements span a diverse range of areas, such as business and industry, community services, indigenous affairs, multicultural affairs, youth affairs, health, training and education, the arts, international development and social justice,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“As we mark the centenary of International Women’s Day, it is timely to acknowledge the leadership shown by these exceptional women.
“Like those who came before them, these women have demonstrated vision, courage and a commitment to succeed in their chosen fields and, as a consequence, they have made Victoria a better place.”
More than 470 women have now been inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
