Joan has extensive Board experience and a long executive career in the not-for-profit sector and charitable sectors, including with the Australian Veteran’s Children’s Assistance Trust, the Australian Red Cross, Carers Australia and Carers NSW.

She is committed to human rights and social justice issues, especially policies relating to the cost of living, health and well-being of older people, the inclusion of older people in society, age discrimination and dying with dignity. Currently Joan is a Board Director of COTA Australia and an advisory board member of the New South Wales Ageing and Disability Commission. Joan is a Churchill Fellow.

In 2021 Joan was awarded a medallion from the Governor General of Australia and a coin from the Repatriation Commissioner of Australia for her service to children and grandchildren in the veteran community.