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Joan Daniels stands as one of the most inspiring figures in the Australian printing industry, a woman who broke barriers, built a thriving business, and has shaped the path for future generations.
Born in 1930 in Balwyn, Melbourne, Joan grew up in a family committed to community and service. Her early dedication to others was clear—during World War II, she knitted socks for soldiers and served as Treasurer of her local church youth group. These small acts of leadership and generosity foreshadowed her lifelong commitment to empowering others.
After attending Methodist Ladies College, Joan’s experience with scarlet fever as a child inspired her to become a nurse, specialising in Ear, Nose, and Throat care. It was during these years that she met Frank Daniels, who ran the renowned Frank Daniels Printing. The couple married and settled in Beaumaris, raising three children—Greg, Peter, and Janet—while immersing themselves in their local community through schools, Scouts, Girl Guides, and sports.
When tragedy struck, and Frank passed away at the age of 48, Joan faced an extraordinary challenge: stepping into the leadership of Frank Daniels Printing, a business employing over 200 people. Despite having no prior experience in printing, Joan embraced her new role with determination and care, knowing the livelihoods of so many families depended on her success. Under her guidance, the company grew, embracing innovative technologies in offset, finishing, and later, digital printing.
Joan’s leadership extended beyond her business. She became the first woman appointed to the Board of the Printing and Allied Trades Employers’ Federation of Australia (PATEFA) and served in advisory roles, paving the way for women to hold influential positions in the industry. Her courage and foresight not only transformed her company but also reshaped perceptions of what women could achieve in print.
Even after her retirement, Joan remained deeply connected to the industry. She was an active and much-loved member of The Papyrus Club in Melbourne, where her enthusiasm for the latest developments in print inspired those around her.
Joan Daniels exemplified resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and vision, making her a true hero for Women in Print and an enduring inspiration for generations to come.
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Rita is an Account Director at IVE Group in the Data-Driven Communications business. With twenty years’ experience in mail and data communications Rita has built an expansive career across operations and productions into strategic sales and client service roles. With a Bachelor of Business in Information Systems, Rita offers her team and clients operational and technical expertise into her account management and customer solutions approach. IVE Group is well recognised for building strong female leadership programs and Rita has embraced this enthusiastically with recent graduation of a Leader Factor 4 – Stages of Psychological Leadership program. Rita is a passionate, intelligent and deliverable-centric individual who currently holds the Women in Print – Victorian Patron role.