Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo

Honouring a committed staff member

27 August 2008

Joan's family: Husband Colin Fraser, step-daughter Laura Fraser, mother Ruth Sayers, daughter Tegan Sayers, mother-in-law Betty Miles, step-daughters Jessica and Emma Fraser, and sister Pam Sayers.

A memorial plaque has been unveiled in the Robert Blackwood Hall at Clayton in tribute to Joan Sayers.

Ms Sayers became one of the best known faces at Monash during her 34 years at the University, most spent working tirelessly at the Robert Blackwood Hall at the Clayton campus.

A large audience crowded into the main foyer of the hall as Jan Clancy, director, Academy of Performing Arts, unveiled the plaque and a large colour photograph of Joan.

The plaque highlights the commitment and contribution Joan paid to the hall and also her "generosity, love of life and sense of humour."

Many members of Joan's family were present at the ceremony including her husband Colin Fraser, another long-term employee of the University.

Ms Clancy said Joan had played a large part in starting the union at Monash and establishing an OHS office. "She was determined to ensure people were treated fairly and that they were cared for," Ms Clancy told the audience.

There was much laughter as friends and former colleagues shared anecdotes of Joan's time at Monash which began in 1972, shortly before the opening of the Robert Blackwood Hall.

"Working here was not just a job for her, it was part of her life," one told the audience.

Joan died in 2006 after a long battle with illness.