Terry Bracks

Terry graduated as a teacher and worked in regional Victoria before moving to Melbourne and working as an electorate officer for a number of Federal MPs. She has worked in a range of areas addressing issues affecting women and young people.

In 2003, Terry founded Western Chances, a scholarship-based program assisting young people in Melbourne's west to realise their potential by providing financial assistance, long term participation in leadership programs and networks. Terry's leadership, as the founding chair, has ensured that Western Chances is now a sustainable and solid organisation that has become a model for other communities and organisations.

As a board member of the Breast Cancer Network Australia since 2003 and deputy chair since 2006, Terry was involved in the Field of Women LIVE events in May 2005, August 2007 and May 2010. Terry is a past board member of the Australian Children's Foundation and played a key role in the establishment of the children's channel on ABC television.

Terry has been a patron of Big Brother Big Sisters, providing adult mentors to young people at risk, and in her role as co-Chair of the Australian East Timor Friendship Schools project has made a personal contribution to assisting children of East Timor.

Terry is patron of Heide Gallery, trustee of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust and more recently a patron of the Williamstown Literary Festival.

Terry received a Centenary Medal in 2001, an Honorary Doctorate from Victoria University in 2008 and a Victoria Police Citizen's Commendation Award in 2009.