Ned Wallish

Former GRCB boss Ned Wallish here is a bit about him. I didn’t know Ned but he delivered the best eulogy I have ever heard in my life when he honoured the great Noel Banks at Noel’s home in Cranbourne. The late Ron Nestor told me it would be special.

Edward Albert (Ned) WALLISH (’45) was born at Caulfield on 23 January 1928, the son of an accountant. He attended Scotch from 1942–45, and gave it exceptional service as a Scotch boy. Known as Ned, he was a member of the Athletics teams of 1943–45. He was a member of the 1st XIs of 1943–45, and was vice-captain of the premiership 1945 team. Ned was a member of the 1944 1st XVIII, and the premiership 1945 1st XVIII. He was awarded triple colours in 1945. His greatest sporing moment was winning the 100 yards at the 1945 APS Athletics. Ned competed in the 440 yards handicap at the Stawell Gift in 1952. On 3 January 1958 he married Jean Margaret Stevens at Scotch, and on 29 November 1980 he married Geraldine Myra Dunstan. Two grandsons attend Melbourne Grammar School. Ned was a co-founder of the Australian Jockeys’ Association, secretary of the Greyhound Racing Control Board for an unsurpassed tenure from 1972–84, and executive officer of the Victorian Bookmakers’ Association from 1986–2000. It was his lifetime ambition to erect a monument to fallen jockeys, and on 5 March 2005 a monument with 312 names was unveiled at Caulfield Racecourse. Ned died on 20 September 2009, and a private memorial service was held on 9 October 2009.

John Stephens – Was GRCB/GRV Secretary or CEO for about a decade…suggest about 1980 to 1990. I think there is a list of such office bearers in Chasing Dreams…‘The History of Greyhound Racing’….needs an update!

Howard Culph – Lovely bloke Ned, sec. of the VBA as well