June Factor was a passionate advocate for social justice and champion of humanitarian causes. As a child refugee, she attended University High in Melbourne where she expressed a desire to be an activist in the future. Throughout her life, she was involved in various voluntary activities and organizations that aimed to bring about change and support marginalized communities. June was deeply concerned about the welfare of asylum seekers, especially children held in detention, which led to the founding of Befriend a Child in Detention. She believed in the power of small contributions to make a big impact, and was able to secure funding for her projects through persistence and persuasion.
June was a firm believer in free speech and was actively involved in advocating for civil liberties. She was a founding member of the Victorian Free Speech Committee and held leadership positions in Australian and Victorian Council of Civil Liberties. Throughout her life, she supported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and played a key role in lobbying to safeguard funding for the national broadcaster. June was recognized for her extraordinary work in leading opposition to funding cuts in 1996 and was made an honorary life member of ABC Friends in 2022.
Although June faced personal challenges, including divorce and raising three children as a single parent, her children and friends were her pillars of support. She graduated with first-class honours in history and English from Melbourne University and embarked on a career as a teacher and writer. June’s innovative teaching methods and passion for literature led her to undertake further studies in children’s literature and eventually earn her doctorate. She was known for her generosity, empathy, and ability to mentor and inspire both students and young scholars.
June’s publications spanned various genres, including children’s rhymes and jokes, as well as historical works. She was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2001 and received the Order of Australia in 2024 for her significant contributions to literature, history, and the community. June’s final book, Soldiers and Aliens, received critical acclaim and won the inaugural Anzac Memorial Trustees military history prize. Her legacy as a scholar, activist, and mentor left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
June Factor’s life was a testament to the power of persistence, advocacy, and social consciousness. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to championing important causes and supporting those in need. Her influence as a teacher, mentor, and writer continues to inspire others to strive for positive change in their communities. June’s legacy serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on the world around them, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
