Dr Christian Rowan MP, the State Member for Moggill, has paid tribute to an extraordinary lifetime of service to Australian politics and public service, as Joyce Stephen, of the Moggill Electorate Office, officially retired on Friday.
“It was the start of an amazing career which saw Joyce being on the stairs with Gough Whitlam as he gave his now-famous dismissal speech, then leaving the public service to join the office of the Chairman of QANTAS, relocate to Sydney and work in the film industry.”
“She then moved to Brisbane in the 1980s where she first worked for Federal Senators Ron Boswell and Lady Flo Bjelke Peterson, then later the Federal Member for Lilley, Elizabeth Grace, in the Howard Government, before in 2011 joining the Brisbane City Council Office of Councillor Peter Matic.
“In 2015, after I was first elected, I was honoured to have Joyce join my staff and help set up the Moggill Electorate Office. Joyce has been a pivotal member of the Moggill team ever since.” Dr Rowan said.
Dr Rowan said Joyce’s contribution extends far beyond just Australian politics.
“Joyce has been real pillar of our community, working tirelessly to support our local constituents, schools, and community groups.
“In amongst all of this, Joyce has raised four incredible children and is now, proudly, a grandmother of six,” Dr Rowan said.
On her final day in the office, Joyce said she had enjoyed her career but was looking forward to spending more time with some special loved ones.
“I’ve enjoyed my working life and the time spent both in and out of politics. I’ll miss working with everyone at the Moggill electorate office, but I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my big poodle, Mishka, and our newest addition, Dougal the puppy.” Joyce Stephen said.
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Editor’s Note:
In 2002, Joyce was awarded the Centenary Medal for her ‘Services to Politics’.
The Centenary Medal was established in 2001 to celebrate the centenary of Australia’s federation and recognise those who made a contribution to Australian society or government.
Contact:
Daniel Downes
Moggill Electorate Office
P: 3737 4110 m: 0434 961 370
moggill@parliament.qld.gov.au
