Joan Perrott papers, 1947-2017

MLMSS 10113/Box 1X

fonds

1947-2017

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Clippings

9611799

0.54 metres of textual material (1 box)

Joan Perrott (née Brooker) was born 26 March 1926. She attended the Girl’s Intermediate High School Crown Street Sydney, graduating in 1940. From there she went to Sydney Girls Public High School, graduating in December 1942.

In 1954, Joan graduated from Sydney University with a Diploma in Social Studies followed by a Certificate from the Institute of Hospital Almoners New South Wales in 1955. Her first placement as an almoner was at Sydney Hospital from February 1955 to February 1960.

From September 1956 Joan was the Almoner at Prince of Wales Division of Sydney Hospital. At the same time Joan also supervised social work students from the Department of social works at Sydney University.

Joan’s next appointment from 1960 to 1964 was as a Family Caseworker with the Church of England Family Service Centre.

In April 1964 she became Senior social worker at the Family Welfare Bureau of which she became Director in 1967. She also lectured to various groups on social works and the work of the Family Welfare Bureau while being involved in many community projects.

In March 1968 Joan became the Director of Community and Social Welfare at the Benevolent Society of New South Wales till January 1971. Here she initiated programs to modernise the Community and Social Welfare Department. While working, Joan studied for the Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New England, which she was awarded in 1970. She majored in English and Sociology.

In 1971 Joan became a Staff Counsellor at the Marriage Guidance Council of NSW, becoming Assistant Director in 1972 and then Director from 1973 till 1983. The Marriage Guidance Council offered counselling and group services in divorce, separation and single parenthood. In 1975, Family Therapy became an integral arm of the service, as well as couples counselling and a special focus on women’s needs.

In 1980 Joan was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her service to Social Welfare, which recognised her dedication and contribution to the modernisation and development of the field of social works.

After ten years as Director Joan retired. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer and given two years to live. But Joan beat cancer and continued involvement with social works as a part time teacher at Sydney Tech College, North Sydney Tech College, and Seaforth Tech College from 1983 to 1987. She worked as a relieving social worker in the Manly Health Area 1983-1987. She died on 25 August 2017.

Reference:
Library correspondence file

Papers of Joan Perrott, OAM, mainly relating to her career in social welfare services.
Includes:
Australian Examinations Board certificate Singing Grade III, 1947
Central District Committee Annual Camp, Mona Vale, June 9-12, 1950 [mounted photograph]
University of Sydney Diploma in Social Studies, 1954
New South Wales Institute of Hospital Almoners certificate, 22 September 1955
Photographic portrait of Joan Perrott
Photograph of two women with Joan Perrott on the right / John Milne Photography, Strand Arcade, Sydney.
University of New England Bachelor of Arts, conferment of degree, 17 April 1971
References, 1960-1971, and certificate of admittance to the Australian Association of Social Workers, 1971
Certificate of The Order of Australia presented on 26 January, 1981
Order of Australia congratulatory telegram, newspaper clippings and commemorative booklet, 1981
Group photograph including Gareth Evans, 1984
Invitation to reception held for The Law Council of Australia - Family Law Convention, Government House, Tasmania, 17 November 1984.
Copies of Joan Perrott's curriculum vitae and related material, 1979-1992
Working copies with annotations and notes for chapter written for, An Oral History of Marriage Counselling in Australia, 1998
Australian Roll of Honour citation and related brochures, 1981-2000
Photographic portrait of Joan Perrott and copy of the eulogy presented on 2 September 2017, and a condolence email received from Audrey Dargan, December 2017

Copyright status:: In copyright - collection has multiple copyright holders
Copyright restrictions may apply: Photographs created before 1955 are out of copyright. Photographs created after 1955 are in copyright for the life of photographer plus 70 years.
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy copyright holder