Editing Joan Kirner (section)

==Early life and career==
Born '''Joan Elizabeth Hood''' in [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]], [[Melbourne]], the only child of John Keith and Beryl Edith (née Cole) Hood, a [[fitter and turner]] and [[music teacher]], respectively, Kirner was educated at state and private schools. She graduated in arts from the [[University of Melbourne]], and completed a teaching qualification. She taught in state schools and became active in school and parents' organisations. In 1960 she married Ron Kirner, with whom she had three children. She was President of the Victorian Federation of States School Parents' Clubs, an influential education lobby from 1971 to 1977 and its executive officer from 1978 to 1982. She was appointed to several government advisory bodies on education.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/throsby/vale-joan-kirner/6525984|title = Vale Joan Kirner|website = Radio National|date = 5 June 2015|access-date = 2016-03-03}}</ref>