In recognition of a generous financial contribution from Jan Wilson, her late husband Eric, son Craig and Greyhound Racing Victoria in the spirit of Jan's character traits of integrity, honesty and a fair go for all, the 'Eric & Jan Wilson Scholarship' is designed to provide successful applicants with a once in a lifetime opportunity to strive towards short and long term aspirations within the Victorian Greyhound Industry, basically through provisions for training, and/or further education, and/or mentoring, and or renumeration opportunities.
For a period of ten years [2011-2020], up to $20,000 will be provided in each year, to facilitate the 'Eric & Jan Wilson Scholarship'. The $20,000 annual amount, which is designed to meet educational and/or workplace training and/or renumeration opportunities, may be awarded to just one applicant; it may also be awarded to the same applicant for more than one year. Alternatively, the $20,000 may be split into smaller amounts for a number of successful applicants over varying time periods. By way of some examples only, successful applicants may thus aspire to pursue: part time academic goals (recognised secondary or tertiary qualifications) while working part time in the greyhound industry (e.g. at a club, at GRV, being mentored by a trainer of other industry participant); part time academic goals (recognised secondary or tertiary qualifications) while working full time in the greyhound industry (e.g. at a club, at GRV, as a trainer or other industry participant); 'non academic' experience in particular associated professions (e.g. recognised management, hospitality, veterinary, trainer, breeder).
SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS Successful applicants will be bound by terms and conditions to the effect that they; Continue to be a permanent resident in Victoria; Observe and maintain character traits associated with such a prestigious award; If applicable, acknowledge, observe and abide by the Rules of Greyhound Racing; undertake reasonable GRV marketing/promotional requests; work diligently towards realising their planned full potential in the industry; uphold the values of honesty, integrity, determination and respect; actively participate in improving the profile and image of the industry; understand that this award is made subject to agreed performance indicators.
TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM PLEASE CLICK HERE ____________________________________________________________ Who were Eric & Jan Wilson?
ABOUT JAN WILSON... Jan Wilson immigrated to Australia from Scotland in 1961. Having settled in her new Country, Jan quickly became a significant contributor within her local community. A real 'peoples person' Jan came to hold various positions in local community schools and charities and her elevation to Parliament representing the people of Dandenong North came as no surprise. Retiring from politics some 15 years later, she became a Board member of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) in 1999 and its Chairman in mid 2000. During Jan's reign as GRV Chairman her tireless efforts saw the greyhound industry go from strength-to-strength. Victorian greyhound racing's market share grew by 38%, revenue nearly doubled and relationships with the many volunteers of our sport strengthened. Most importantly, from Jan's character traits; integrity, honesty and a fair go for all, a spirit of cooperation and unity became enshrined within the whole industry, along with a strong focus on the community and animal welfare initiatives. ABOUT ERIC WILSON... Dandenong born and bred, Eric was extremely community focussed and a long term electoral officer for the Labour party and Mayor of the City of Dandenong. His passions included his family, his garden, the Labour Party, the racing industry and community groups Wallara and VicRelief Foodbank. He passed away in 2004.
The late Jan & Eric Wilson (left); son Craig Wilson with greyhound Noah (right) at the Wilson Scholarship launch in 2010.