Joy Nugent OAM (née McClintock), a Moreton Bay College alumna from the Class of 1956, is widely recognised for her pioneering contributions to holistic palliative care. In August 2024, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her significant impact on the field and her long-standing dedication to improving end-of-life care.
Over more than 30 years, Joy has devoted her career to supporting individuals facing terminal illness with dignity, compassion, and respect. Her work emphasises the importance of addressing not only physical needs but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions of dying. This holistic approach has influenced broader conversations about how society understands and manages the final stages of life.
In pursuit of fostering openness around end‑of‑life issues, Joy founded Soul Talks, a charity that encourages meaningful conversations about death and dying. Through this platform, she has helped educate both healthcare professionals and the wider community, promoting acceptance and reducing the anxiety often associated with life’s final chapter.
Joy is also an accomplished author. Her publications explore the spiritual, emotional, and human aspects of dying, with her most recent book, Tips and Guidelines for Soul-Centred Care, offering practical guidance for those supporting individuals at the end of life. The book is available through major online retailers.
The awarding of the OAM acknowledges Joy Nugent’s lifelong commitment to advancing compassionate, holistic palliative care. Her work continues to influence practitioners and carers, reinforcing the importance of supporting both the body and the soul during end-of-life care.
