Life and times of Joan Kirner

LIFE AND TIMES OF JOAN KIRNER

* Born June 20, 1938 in Essendon, Victoria

* Worked as a teacher

* Married Ron Kirner, mother of three children

* Entered state politics in 1982 as member for the legislative council representing Melbourne West

* Appointed education minister in 1988 and became Williamstown MP

* First and only female premier of Victoria 1990-1992

* Resigned from parliament in 1994

* Co-founded political support network EMILY's List 1996

* Named a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2012

* Diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in 2013