Born 15 December 1929, passed away 2 November 2011.
Joan Symonds gave countless hours to Eastern Suburbs Junior Rugby League for many years. She was a Life Member and long serving committee member of the Bondi United club. Her husband, Bill " Yooka " Symonds, founded Bondi United in 1946. With her tireless fundraising activities, Joan played a major part in Bondi United establishing itself as the well known club it is today. She sat on numerous club committees and took on the Treasurer's position when she was well into her seventies. Her bookkeeping was immaculate and she became the club's first female life member in 1973.
Joan was one of the great, hard working, behind the scenes, Women in League. Her numerous, unpaid hours was one of the prime reasons that Bondi United is the most successful of all the Roosters Junior clubs. United have won 19 club championships and around 120 individual Premierships. They have also produced seven players who have gone on to represent Australia and many more who have played with the Roosters. Joan was the grandmother of the Roosters' versatile, up and coming star, Tom Symonds, who of course, is a Bondi United product.
Current Bondi United President Al Lewis, who has held the position for around 15 years, had first hand experience of Joan's value to our game and for United.
"Nothing was too much for her to do for our club, " Al said. " She was a sincere and friendly lady who loved working for and with young people. "
As well as Rugby League, United field teams in women's netball and basketball, plus mixed touch football and oz-tag. For many years, Joan coached and coordinated the netball teams. She was 81 when she passed away but took a close interest in all the club's activities until her final days.
The seven United players who have represented Australia are Ferris Ashton (8 Tests), Ray Beaven (1961 Australian team to New Zealand), Paul Dunn (7 Tests), Kevin Junee (1967 Kangaroo tour), John Mayes (3 Tests), John Peard (8 Tests) and Luke Ricketson (5 Tests).
The Men of League extend their deepest sympathies to the Symonds family and friends, particularly Peter, Kerry, Chris, Tom, Will, Carlie and Jaymee