Tuesday, 08 September 2026

House of Representatives

Mr Tim Wilson MP:

In my three-year walkabout from this place, between 2022 and 2025, there were people who should have been acknowledged for their life and service to our community that were not properly acknowledged, and today I'd like to do so, to Ian Mence OAM. He was a pioneering figure in the Australian timber industry, an educator in entrepreneurship and a dedicated community leader. He went to Brighton Grammar School, was basically always a bayside local and was particularly active in the later stages of his life around Brighton Rotary and the Melbourne Accelerator Program, which focused on how to encourage young Australians to become entrepreneurs. He was always generous financially to that cause and many others. He held numerous community roles, including councillor of Brighton Community Hospital, Chairman of the Bayside Drug and Youth Suicide Centre and, of course, somewhat in ignominy best known, probably, as the president of the Church Street layabouts! He liked hanging around on Church Street, particularly at the Dendy Deli. Ian's philanthropic efforts and community leadership have left an enduring impact. He was a devoted family man. He was husband to both Leeron and Susan, father to Cameron and David and grandfather to Clara, Clementine, Leonard and Celia.