Melanie Suzanne Wilson has a history of involvement with her grandparents, Gary Wilson OAM and the late Elizabeth Wilson OAM.
Sir Austin Wilson, Melanie's great-grandfather, is part of the historical context for the Wilson family.
Melanie gave birth to a daughter, Emily Wilson Halford, in 2018.
Melanie's grandparents
Gary Wilson OAM
Elizabeth Wilson OAM
Melanie Suzanne Wilson looks to her grandparents for inspiration. They have been very involved leaders and speakers.
Gary Wilson OAM received his Medal of the Order of Australia in May 2014 after being announced during Australia Day in January of that year. Gary is a Past International Director (PID) of Toastmasters International.
Elizabeth Wilson OAM gained her own Medal of the Order of Australia two years after Gary's award. Her investiture was in May 2016 after being announced in the Australia Day list of January 2016. Elizabeth Wilson was the first female District Governor for Toastmasters District 70. She led Toastmasters in all of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory at the time.
Elizabeth Wilson passed away in 2021 after years of illness. She was diagnosed with a spreading cancer that included spinal tumours in 2014. Elizabeth experienced symptoms in the first half of that year, struggling to walk during Gary's investiture. A miracle surgery gave more years. Melanie was grateful to see Elizabeth in the final weeks of this beloved grandmother's life.
Sir Austin Wilson
Austin Wilson was awarded as, "Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of One Said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" in New Zealand on 1st January 1958. He then became Sir Austin Wilson when, "Her Majesty was pleased to confer the Dignity of Knighthood upon Austin Wilson ESQ, O.B.E. In consequence and pursuance thereof the said Sir Austin Wilson O.B.E" in New Zealand on 22nd May 1981. These quotes are from the documentation that accompanied the insignia.
Sir Austin Wilson was the father of Gary Wilson. Austin was Melanie's great grandfather. He worked as a director for companies in New Zealand. Along with other individuals, Sir Austin Wilson symbolises the Wilson family's history as kiwis. Elizabeth and Gary moved to Australia in the 60s, leading to the Wilson family's era as Australians.
More images of Melanie Suzanne Wilson with family
