Joan Croll AO (b. 1928), a breast physician and practising radiologist, is a conservation activist and vigorous writer of letters-to-the-editor. Born in Sydney, she studied medicine at the University of Sydney but did not practise until the age of 47, having been a full-time mother for thirteen years. From 1975 until her retirement in 1997 she was a persistent and effective worker in the field of breast cancer, promoting the introduction of breast ultrasound and mammography. In the early 1970s, Croll’s fight alongside thirteen other women known as ‘Battlers for Kelly’s Bush’ to stymie a housing development on Sydney bushland led to the world’s first Green Ban and the birth of urban environmentalism.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Joan Croll
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
Accession number: 2007.41
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On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Australian Galleries Director Stuart Purves tells the story of two portraits by John Brack.
An interview with the indomitable Joan Croll, subject of John Brack's portrait.
Dr Sarah Engledow explores the early life and career of John Brack.
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