Joan Woodberry was a versatile writer whose works include scripts, children’s novels, picture books, historical works and textbooks. Born in Narrabri, New South Wales, she earned a degree in history before living in the Middle East, Greece and London. She was in her forties when she settled in Hobart.
She is perhaps best known for her children’s novels, which include Come Back, Peter (1970) and Rafferty Rides a Winner (1961). Her picture book Ash Tuesday (1968), gorgeously illustrated by Tasmanian watercolourist Max Angus, graphically captures the experiences of those who lived through Hobart’s 1967 bushfires. She is also known for her non-fiction works such as the Historic Hobart Sketchbook (1976).
Woodberry contributed energetically to organisations including the Australian Book Council, the Copyright Board, the Libraries Promotion Council, the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board, the Fellowship of Australian Writers, and the University of Tasmania. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981.
