My family first met Joyce at Rickard Street, Ryde, when Colin and Joyce announced their engagement. Joyce quickly endeared herself to all members of our family. We quickly became aware of her advocacy of a Yes result in the successful 1967 Referendum. Joyce somehow convinced Col that he should move from the Physical Sciences field into Social Work as she continued nursing.

After their wedding in 1966, Col and Joyce moved briefly to Darwin and then to Alice Springs. In the early 70s I made two visits to Alice Springs: the first with my brother Col and later with a teaching colleague John Howard to help run a summer vacation play centre. We met members of the family including two foster children, Sammy and Glennis, and good friends such as Jill Pattenden. It was here that Liesa, Pauline and Grace were born. Joyce was looking after a group of children at a local clinic and I kept a video of a trip we took with the children out to the Tropic of Capricorn monument on the Stuart Highway.

In the early 70s, I was there in Alice after the Whitlam government gained power and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gordon Bryant helped a group of Indigenous people take possession of a cattle station in the Northern Territory. Apparently Joyce was instrumental in helping an Indigenous group to raise funds to purchase another cattle station and she was the one who delivered funds to the bank.

A further visit to Alice was aborted for me when Cyclone Tracey hit Darwin and survivors were streaming south through The Alice. There was no accommodation available. The vacation activities were cancelled.

When Colin and Joyce moved back to the East Coast, Joyce was actively representing Indigenous people in conferences around Australia and overseas, at one stage meeting leaders of the Black Panther movement in the US who greeted her as a sister.

Our family maintained close contact with Joyce and Col in the years when they lived in Maclean and Sydney. My dad, Bob, and Col’s dad Les were very supportive of the Woolitji Co-operative Project in Maclean and members of family became shareholders of the co-operative. Some of our overseas visitors met Joyce and Colin in Maclean and the visit made a lasting impression on them. I made a few visits to the Hillcrest community in Maclean and met some of Joyce’s family who welcomed me warmly. Joyce was keen about setting up the Nungera Gallery in Maclean for her Yaegl people.

My partner Leonie and I have fond memories of visits by Joyce, Col and girls to our home in Terrey Hills and when we left Joyce took pity on the fact that Leonie had a sore back, arranging for assistance from the girls in the packing up process. While I was teaching at Meadowbank Boys High in Sydney Joyce and Col alerted me to the arrival of a young lad called Joe Simpson from the Northern Territory. He was in Sydney to get treatment for a heart condition. In the end he was well enough to play in my basketball team. Joyce and Col were always helping kids.

Having moved to the North Coast we also met up with Joyce and Col around Maclean and Yamba after Evette was born. We watched as Joyce, Colin and eventually Grace were candidates for election in various spheres of government. It was always a joy to attend significant birthdays and anniversaries and we were thrilled to watch Pauline’s film When Colin Met Joyce on SBS. We enjoyed happy times at their South Arm island home and around Maclean on the Clarence River near Joyce’s birthplace. We have enjoyed listening to the Jazz radio programs broadcast by Evette on the local Yamba radio station.

When I was working at the Lismore Campus of Southern Cross University in the 1990’s, I became aware that Joyce had been a member of there University Council in its foundation years and she had helped found the North Coast Institute for Aboriginal Community Education which has been dedicated to keeping Bundjalung languages and culture alive.

On a trip to Canberra to see my sister Merilyn, we visited an exhibition at the National Museum where we were pleased to see the recognition given to Joyce for her contribution, with other leaders like Faith Bandler, to the 1967 Referendum campaign.

In recent years we have admired Joyce’s resilience as she battled poor health. Despite this, she always welcomed us with her characteristically cheeky smile and a big, warm hug. She always showed concern for members of our family and particularly Uncle Bob.

The passing of Joyce will leave a huge hole in our hearts but she will leave some very significant memories. Our thoughts are with her immediate and extended family.

It is with great sadness that I heard of the sad passing of Joyce. I attribute to her the opening of a door that has enabled me to devote my adult life to improving education opportunities for our people. Joyce was working at the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs in George Street Sydney when I first met her. I was a young kid from the bush and lost and ill-prepared for the 'Big Smoke'. Joyce listened to my story and was able to arrange for me to attend Tranby College where I shared a room with Lester Mercy, Joyce's brother. This experience started me on a path of Aboriginal education advocacy, which I still tread today, some 60 years or more since first meeting Joyce. Joyce was a pioneer in so many ways and the world was so much brighter and promising for having her in it. She laid the political foundations for many of those who serve today in state or federal parliament. Her dignified leadership and advocacy should serve to as a legacy to inspire all those who aspire to lead. Condolences to the Clague and Mercy families. Rest In Peace, dear friend and mentor.

Growing up in Maclean I was often discombobulated and confused by adult behaviour that was at times contradictory, at times hypocritical, at times mean, at times cruel, often this behaviour was from those known as “pillars” of our community. Joyce Clague was a beacon of light to me as a girl…her strength, her wisdom, her clarity, her gentleness, her unwavering values, her fortitude. Her ripples of light forever on earth. Thank you Joyce 🙏🏻✨💗

I met Joyce many years ago when I first moved to Sydney from Walgett in 1969 (18 years old). First at The Foundation in George Street where everyone met on Sunday evenings.
She was a beautiful person who everyone knows had a solid commitment to better the life of our peoples. Many of our fighters have passed on and Joyce will catch up with them in the dreaming and ensure they are treated right.
R.I.P. Joyce always remembered

Hello dear Clague family
The Cameron’s from James Creek, Maclean - Carol, Melissa, Sue-Ann and David and their families extend the greatest love, respect and admiration for your Mum & wife.
We are all sad she isn’t still with us in this realm.
I especially enjoyed (as a child of Maclean Primary) coming to visit Joyce at Nungera with Leisa.
She was such a force, such an enthusiast. I recall being in awe of the enormity of her laugh, smile and intense curiosity. I’m humbled by the contributions she made to the world. She was and will always be an extraordinary person.
Big love to everyone in the Mercy clan and especially the related community she left behind.
Kindly.

Thank you Aunty Joyce Clague for your enduring love for, and service to Aboriginal People, families and Communities. You used your knowedge, experience, skills and qualities to be in service to thers, plain and simple. Martin Luther King Jnr says it perfectly with: Not everyone can be famous, but everyone can be great, because greatness is determined by service. Aunty Joyce was one of the great ones to remember, and follow.

How can we say goodbye to such a strong spirit? But it is time: farewell on the journey to the ancestors, my teacher, our mentor and deep soul friend.

My deepest condolences to all her family .. sending my thoughts and prayers for you all at this sad time .. Joyce was a good friend and a tireless advocate and worker for her people and community .. she will be missed so much ..I will cherish my fond memories of our working together in the NSW Public Service back in the late 70’s & 80’s her infectious laugh & smiling face Is something I will always remember and brings a smile to my face when I hear her name..
Rest in Peace dear Friend 🥰🙏🏽🙏🏽🥰

Dear Col, Liesa, Anne Grace, Pauline, Evette and family. So many fantastic memories of Aunty Joyce and what a legacy. I will forever feel that huge embrace, hear that wonderful laugh and keep the fire in my own belly! Thinking of you all. Love Matt, Natalie, Annabelle and Lucas

I just heard about Joyce’s passing and saw the story Neville Jennings posted. I was a teacher with Neville at Meadowbank Boys High and as he said in his story, we travelled to Alice Springs in the early 1970s to assist with some school vacation activities at Jay Creek, Ilparpa and Amoonguna. There I met Joyce and Col and was excited hear about their activism. A wonderful, much loved, cherished, and effective leading voice for Indigenous recognition, rights and services. Rest in peace - you did a great job

Our condolences and respects to the family and friends of Joyce. Our prayers are with you all.

Sending my thoughts to the Clague family and friends. May you now rest in the Dreaming Aunt. You will be missed

So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. A loving wife, mother and passionate in her pursuits for her people

The flame seems dimmer but thanks to our Elders and you, we are able to have that 'fire in our belly'....to continue with what our Ancestors fought long and hard for.
I thank you for all that you did for our lil community -o-

Thinking of you all at this time,have memories of Aunt,from my child hood,love to you all.XO.

We send our love condolences to you all our clague Family from Sonya Breckenridge and Family

From my whānau to you, ka aroha hoki x Biggest love and gratitude for all the work and leadership for us to move forward with her fire in our bellies x

We have known Joyce, and the Clague family, for many many years. Our grandmother, Margaret Holmes, travelled overseas with Joyce, both of them staunch advocates for Peace.

The whole Clague family came to see us when we lived at Korora, and we had a lovely photo of all the kids in the bath, after playing around in the bush.

In latter years, we were fortunate enough to have Joyce, Colin, Evette and occasionally Pauline or Grace, come and visit us in Coffs Harbour. Much yarning about the old days, and hope for the future.

Joyce - always backed by Colin - was a remarkable advocate for greater understanding between the First Nation, and current Australians.

Her strength, coupled with gentleness and quiet determination, will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Siobhan Holmes

A memory from Aunty Joyce's 80th.. my Mum and Dad (Bill and Margaret Clague) send their deepest condolences.
Much love,

Alice Springs memories
I first met Joyce and Colin in Alice Springs in 1969. I was a newly arrived teacher in town and we met at the Uniting Church along with Yami Lester and his then wife Lucy.
I remember Joyce’s feistiness, her compassion and sense of justice and her wonderful sense of humour. Such a big radiant smile and laugh!
We later met up at Pitt street Uniting Church.
We lost touch over the years but I have followed her family’s contributions through the media arts and elsewhere. Such a remarkable woman. I send my condolences to Colin and their daughters and hope to make it to Grafton for her funeral.

My dear friend Joyce, we met in Sydney in the early eighties through the Labor party. We have shared many happy times, serious campaigns, family times, laughter and stories.
We lived locally back then and became good friends even sharing in the same fruit and vegie co-op. Liesa and I were living close by when Keewa was born and Liesa remains a close friend.
Joyce was once interviewed by the newspaper on what it was like to grow old. Well, Joyce certainly rejected that idea but that clipping stayed on my frig till it turned yellow.
It was always a joy to hear Joyce speak in language to Evette.
A highlight of our friendship was attending the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum along with Joyce and Colin. Joyce was one of the speakers at the celebration sharing her stories.
Over the years, it has been a pleasure to meet family members and some of the Mercy siblings.
Thank you Colin for love and care you gave to Joyce.
Big love to Colin, Evette, Liesa and all the family.
Joyce, your warmth and smile will always be with me.

Thank you Aunty for the many memories and opportunities you have given to me and my family.

Our love and condolences for the passing of the extraordinary and inimitable Joyce.

Joyce was always conscious of the wider picture and held a firm view that we should use our skill and knowledge to provide support as widely as possible. One such example in the late 1970’s was her key role in bringing Board of Directors members from Awabakal Co-op Newcastle, Purfleet Co-op Taree, Nungera Co-op Maclean, and the Cabbage Tree Island Co-op, together to establish the North Coast Association of Aboriginal Co-operatives (NCAAC). This meant travelling hundreds of kilometres and staying overnight to attend meetings, with very little financial support from the member Co-ops. Nor was the luxury of company cars available, as all member organisations were fighting for their own survival and had few resources. However there was a strong feeling of solidarity and all involved believed in a united approach to overcome Aboriginal disadvantage. The aim of the Association was to provide strength to each other and to investigate possibilities for joint ventures that would enhance Aboriginal community development throughout the North Coast.

A major venture of NCAAC was to purchase a fishing trawler after several years of lobbying DAA for funds. The trawler was to be wharved at Yamba and manned by crews drawn from the member communities, drawing on the expertise of Aboriginal fishers who had experience in commercial fishing but had been denied the opportunity of owning their own vessel of this size. Unfortunately the only vessel that had been on the market was sold by the time DAA funds were received and the opportunity was lost. Other ventures were considered but the frustration of limited achievements over several years, coupled with increasing demands and limited resources in the home communities, led to the winding up of the Association in 1982.

Another example of Joyce’s vision to provide support as widely as possible was the major role she played in the Australian Council of Churches Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
Through this organization she was able to create greater awareness of the inequities existing between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, as well as provide guidance to the ACC as to how they could help improve the situation, including through supporting a socio-economic reform agenda and the pursuance of Aboriginal Land Rights. One positive outcome was helping organise a World Council of Churches Team Visit to several centres across Australia, which led to the publication of Justice for Aboriginal Australians: report of the World Council of Churches team visit to the Aborigines, June 15 to July 3, 1981 / Elizabeth [i.e. Elisabeth] Adler ... [et al.].

Joyce was many things to many people. Fiercely determined with a disarming smile, sparkling eyes and bountiful laughter, she was one of our true warriors – no fuss, no fanfare.
It has been a privilege to have shared time and family with such a wonderful role model and I know that she will continue to live with us, beyond her mortal life. Love to all family from Birrpai Country.

Thinking of you Pauline and your extended family at this time. May your dear mum now lay to rest and be with the ancestors back in the dreaming.

Rest in Eternal Peace my beautiful sister-in-law
You will be very sadly missed - but always fondly remembered <3 xxx
Felicity Skinner

Hi Colin so sad to read of Joyce's passing - what an incredible life & such a legacy
Anne-marie Wardrop

On behalf of the PEISLEY family - Maclean Tyre Service. We send our condolences and prayers to you all. I remember your Mum well and our Mum also had high regards for her. Joyce Peisley and Joyce Clague. A wonderful lady. So kind. Xxxx
Bernadette Beattie

Dear Colin and all the Clague family,

My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your incredible matriarch. It was a privilege to have Aunty Joyce at the launch of ‘A Change is Gonna Come’ at the National Museum of Australia in 2017. Sending love and hugs to you all at this sad time. Vale Aunty Joyce, RIP – a true Indigenous Rights Warrior.

Marntaj (OK, finished, all right, goodbye); Wallilu (all is well, ‘til we meet again), B

Our condolences.

Dear Colin, Evette, Grace and Pauline. I’ve been tempted to call in but didn’t want to bother you during sorry times, so thank you for this opportunity to write. I feel very privileged to have known Joyce and am looking at that gorgeous painting of her that was on the invitation to her 80th. I’m very sorry that I can’t attend her funeral as I will be in South Australia in the middle of a caravan trip, but if it is broadcast I’ll try to join on line.
I really hope Linda Burnley can attend as a representative of the ALP in recognition of her life membership. And of course local members. All the very best in dealing with your loss and please let me know if I can call in.