Australian of the Year

Born in Pine Creek in 1940, Joyce Chin (nee Ah Toy) pursued higher education in the face of parental opposition, leaving home at age 17 to study at Adelaide Teachers’ College.  After teaching in Northern Territory high schools, Joyce became the Northern Territory’s first full-time female adult education teacher. 

During her 34-year career at Darwin Community College, Darwin Institute of Technology and Northern Territory University, Joyce rose to Associate Dean. 

Joyce introduced the Territory’s first award course in fashion, upgraded the qualification to a Diploma, helped graduates establish clothing businesses and was a founding member of the Northern Territory Fashion Awards. She also taught sewing to female prisoners. 

After retirement in 2001, Joyce instigated, participated in and promoted fitness classes for seniors, to maintain their strength and mobility. Numerous gyms now offer such classes to our ageing population. 

Joyce’s legacy has shaped women’s education and cultural life across the Northern Territory.