By Peter Douglas
Mount Evelyn’s Jill Ludwell has been included among the illustrious Australia Day Honours list for 2018.
A long-time leader with the Victorian Division of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (AIC), Mrs Ludwell has been acknowledged for her influence and many years of service to the conveyancing profession, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Mrs Ludwell, 72, started her professional life as a solicitor throughout the 1970s and mid-1980s, before starting her own conveyancing business.
During this time, she realised their needed to be a strong voice for the then-fledgling industry, so she found herself a leader in this space over many years.
Mrs Ludwell said the honour had come as a huge but welcome surprise.
“I’d known of the nomination since before Christmas and had to keep it under wraps, but to get this honour is truly surprising and very humbling,” she said.
“The conveyancing industry doesn’t often get a lot of recognition, so it’s a great way to highlight the great work that has taken place over many years.
“It’s a lovely, fantastic honour.”
Mrs Ludwell’s service to industry is as vast as it is long.
She co-founded the Victorian Conveyancers Association in 1989, before it became the Victorian Division of the AIC.
Mrs Ludwell has served in various state executive positions with the AIC, including as president and treasurer.
She has been a member of several constitution groups regarding property law, as well as served with Consumer Affairs Victoria, Land Victoria and the State Revenue Office.
Mrs Ludwell is also a member of the National Electronic Conveyancing Office.
In addition to her work to enhance the conveyancing industry, she is also a volunteer fundraiser with Open Family Australia (now Whitelion), which works to support at-risk youth.
“I enjoy what I do; it’s a passion. Conveyancers are practical people and are more at the coal face. They need a strong voice,” she said.
“There are many challenges at present, as more electronic settlements are now taking place. There is a continuing need for greater education within the profession.”
Away from her professional life, Mrs Ludwell enjoys playing the odd round of golf at the RACV Club in Healesville.
This year, she celebrates her golden wedding anniversary after 50 years of marriage to her husband, Will.
She has two daughters, Caroline and Samantha, as well as two grandchildren.
Mrs Ludwell moved to Mount Evelyn around four years ago after the couple sold their 50 acre property in Dixon’s Creek.
She said the couple wanted to downsize and transition to retirement in Mount Evelyn, although she still works full-time at present with the AIC.
Mrs Ludwell paid tribute to the colleagues and peers who had nominated her for the prestigious honour.
