Joan Burton Paton was a South Australia

South Australia

South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...

n teacher

Teacher

A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...

, naturalist

Natural history

Natural history is the scientific research of plants or animals, leaning more towards observational rather than experimental methods of study, and encompasses more research published in magazines than in academic journals. Grouped among the natural sciences, natural history is the systematic study...

, environmentalist

Environmentalism

Environmentalism is a broad philosophy, ideology and social movement regarding concerns for environmental conservation and improvement of the health of the environment, particularly as the measure for this health seeks to incorporate the concerns of non-human elements...

 and ornithologist

Ornithology

Ornithology is a branch of zoology that concerns the study of birds. Several aspects of ornithology differ from related disciplines, due partly to the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds...

. Her father was Professor Sir John Cleland

John Burton Cleland

Sir John Burton Cleland CBE was a renowned Australian naturalist, microbiologist, mycologist and ornithologist.-Early Life and education:...

, a notable microbiologist and pathologist who strongly encouraged her early interest in natural history.

She was educated at the University of Adelaide

University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a public university located in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1874, it is the third oldest university in Australia...

 where she majored in organic chemistry

Organic chemistry

Organic chemistry is a subdiscipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives...

 and biochemistry

Biochemistry

Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...

. In 1967 she became a lecturer on ornithology in South Australia’s Workers' Educational Association

Workers' Educational Association

The Workers’ Educational Association seeks to provide access to education and lifelong learning for adults from all backgrounds, and in particular those who have previously missed out on education. The International Federation of Workers Education Associations has consultative status to UNESCO...

. Among those she stimulated to become active in ornithology and environmental conservation was Margaret Cameron

Margaret Alison Cameron

Margaret Alison Cameron AM, FRAOU is a noted Australian librarian, administrator, and amateur ornithologist. She was foundation librarian of Deakin University 1977-1996, and pro vice-chancellor of the University 1986-1990. She joined the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union in 1969 which she...

, later President of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union

Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union

The Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, also known as Birds Australia, was founded in 1901 to promote the study and conservation of the native bird species of Australia and adjacent regions. This makes it Australia's oldest national birding association. It is also Australia's largest...

 (RAOU).

Paton was active in the RAOU, as well as in the South Australian Ornithological Association

South Australian Ornithological Association

The South Australian Ornithological Association , also known as Birds SA, is an Australian birding organisation based in Adelaide, South Australia. The SAOA publishes a journal, the South Australian Ornithologist as well as the Birds SA Newsletter. It holds regular monthly meetings and conducts...

 (SAOA) of which she was Vice-President 1974-1979, President 1979-1982 and made an Honorary Member in 1990. She was one of the first women to become a member of the exclusive Adelaide Ornithologists Club

Adelaide Ornithologists Club

The Adelaide Ornithologists Club was founded by Alan Lendon, a leading surgeon and prominent aviculturist, in 1960, as a breakaway group from the South Australian Ornithological Association, with John Neil McGilp as its first President...

, of which she was President 1991-1993, and made an Honorary Member in 1996.

In 1996 she was made a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia

Order of Australia

The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...

for services to ornithology, education and the environment.