12/06/2026
Today, we gathered to bid our final farewell to Joy Kahotea.
From the NSW Council for Pacific Communities, we say goodbye to a respected Board Member, a former Vice Chair, a leader, an advocate, and a woman whose dedication to serving others has left an indelible mark on our organisation and our communities.
Today is not simply a day of mourning; it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. We reflect on the countless hours Joy dedicated to supporting Pacific people across New South Wales. We reflect on her wisdom, her guidance, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in the power of community. We reflect on the many lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and willingness to always put others before herself.
Joy was a trusted voice around the table, someone who spoke with conviction, wisdom, and care. She brought people together, encouraged collaboration, and always sought outcomes that would benefit our communities. Her contributions to our organisation will continue to be felt long into the future.
To the Pacific community, we say goodbye to a leader, a mentor, a friend, a confidant, and someone we could always depend upon. Joy was the type of person who never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, provide guidance, or simply listen when someone needed support. She carried herself with grace, humility, and strength, earning the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
To many organisations and community groups, Joy was a trusted partner, a passionate advocate, and a tireless volunteer. She understood the importance of lifting others up, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every voice had the chance to be heard. Her commitment to service was not measured by titles or positions, but by the genuine care she showed for people every day.
To her family, we acknowledge that today your loss is immeasurable. While our hearts are heavy as colleagues, friends, and community members, we know that your grief is far greater.
Today, you say goodbye to a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished sister, a treasured aunty, and a proud grandmother. You say goodbye to the person who stood beside you through life’s celebrations and challenges, who offered unconditional love, wisdom, guidance, and support. The roles Joy held within our organisation were important, but the roles she held within her family were undoubtedly the ones she treasured most.
As we farewell Joy today, we also celebrate a life that was lived with purpose. A life dedicated to serving others. A life built on faith, family, culture, and community. A life that leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, service, and love.
Although Joy’s voice may now be silent, her impact will continue to echo throughout our communities. Her example will continue to inspire us. Her kindness will continue to be remembered. The seeds she planted through her service will continue to grow for generations to come.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, our staff, volunteers, members, and the wider Pacific community, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Joy’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Thank you, Joy, for your leadership.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your kindness.
Thank you for your belief in our people and our communities.
You have run your race, you have fought the good fight, and you have left this world a better place because you were here.
Rest peacefully, Joy.
You will be forever remembered, forever respected, and forever loved.
Our deepest condolences to the Kahotea family
