Motorsport Australia and the wider motorsport community is mourning the death of Joan Margaret Vaughan OAM, who passed peacefully at the age of 96.

Vaughan, leaves behind a rich legacy of contribution to motorsport, particularly in New South Wales, where she was a highly-respected and well-known figure.

Vaughan’s history in motorsport dates all the way back to 1962, while working in Sydney.

Joan was asked type up a set of minutes for a car club meeting held the previous evening, to which she replied, “what’s a car club?”

From that point on, the Vaughan family’s involvement with the Mini Car Club of New South Wales had begun.

Vaughan was a Life Member of the Club and was awarded every Service Award the club has in its cabinet during her time there.

Vaughan held numerous roles at the club, including Club Secretary for a total of 33 years and wrote the club’s 50 Year anniversary book.

Through the years, Joan was “Secretary of the Event” for most of the competition events run from the mid-70’s through to 2024.

In the 60’s, Joan was also a regular driver in Trials, which motorsport recognises now as rally with lots of navigation.

In addition to motorsport, Vaughan’s contributions to Australian life-saving are well-known.

She was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day in 1999, for her service to the community.

She also made history by becoming one of the first female members of a Surf Life Saving Club at Burning Palms, recognising her as a trailblazer in the movement.

Vaughan is survived by her two children, Alan and Arlene, and their respective families. Joan’s husband John passed away 22 years ago.

Vale.