The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Joseph.

Reflecting on our time together as colleagues at Deakin Institute of Disability Studies and good times shared in Tecoma. Our thoughts are with Alison and family.
Jude Charlton and Dave Kenny

Rest In Peace, Joe. I am already dearly missing your Woodstock stories and our ongoing chats about New York. An amazing life lived by an amazing person. Farewell my friend. Your legacy lives on…

What a pleasure and a privilege to have known and work with Joe. He was an extraordinary man with so much wisdom to share and that he did so in abundance and so willingly. As I have heard and read from so many over the past few days, his capacity to give time and energy was endless and I know we are all the better for having met him and had him in our lives. My deepest condolences to his family and all who were fortunate to know him. VALE Joe. xx

I first met Joe less than 18 months ago. We worked reasonably closely through to March 2023, but were only physically in the same room once. With shared interests in running, music and academic topics, we bonded quickly and caught up with each other over the airwaves for chats outside of meetings. Joe had boundless enthusiasm and passion for his work and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.

I feel privileged to have known Joe and wish that we could have gone for a run together. I would pepper him with more questions about his having heard Jimi Hendrix play at Woodstock.

My deepest condolences to Joe's family and friends.

Dear Joe, so kind, respectful, warm-hearted and genuine. I wish we had worked together more. You were an inspiration and brought so much good into the world; you were one of the best people I have ever known. Condolences to those who knew and loved you so much. Rest well.

Dearest Joe. Thank you for the invitation into the whirlwind that was your life both in and out of academia. You showed great generosity of spirit, time, and genuine caring for those around you. As a recipient, it was always greatly appreciated.

Joe, You have and always will remain a key pillar in my life. We met upon my return home where you saw something in me i forgot i even possessed and keep pushing me and encouraging me to be the best i could be and become the man you saw inside me. Your direction was strong but always with a smile and a warm word, your action was swift and always based on building capacity for long term and not just short. I can safely say that the person i am today, the work i do and the passion i have has been driven by you and will carry on because of you. I love you Joe, i miss our chats but know you will be onto a second world to make better just due to the person you are. Rest easy great man knowing there is a whole army of us here succeeding because of what you saw and see in us and because of the skills you encouraged. Love you Joe and thanks xxx

So much love to you and your family. Thank you so much for being such an extraordinay human who tought me about kindness and being humble to everyone. You and Brian have changed my life and I will always have you close to my heart. So much apapachos (hug for the soul)

For your warmth, your stories, your wisdom, your time, I thank you. Deepest condolences to your loved ones near and far. Your pearls or wisdom and greatness and scattered all over and may they continue to glow just as you did x

Joe you were truly a scholar and a gentleman. Your understated approach hid your enormous talent, which shone through during our interactions. My sincere condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. The world is a little poorer for you not being in it. May you rest in peace.

It's so very hard to say goodbye to you Joe. Thank-you for being such a beautiful friend. Your humour (wow did we laugh!!), kindness, generosity, and love for people and life really was incredible. I am so thankful for time we spent together and for being in your orbit for a brief part of your time here. Love you Joe xxx

Farewell Joe. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know you over something like 20 years. Thank you for your vision and leadership, your kindness, your wonderful sense of humour, and for the seemingly infinite supply of amazing anecdotes. I cherish the long and fascinating conversations on the most extraordinary range of topics. It’s a sad day but the spirits of many people will be lifted by similar memories. Condolences to all your loved ones.

Joe, you brought so much love and happiness to your family. Our thoughts are with you Ali, girls and family.

Farewell Joe. You were always so kind and generous with your time. Nothing was too much trouble for you and I loved our chats and felt so uplifted after them. You have left such an amazing legacy behind.
My sincere condolences to your family.
Your friend.
Marc

Vale Joe. I had the privilege of working with him for a number of years. A thoroughly decent man who was compassionate and kind. Always considerate and caring but with a wonderful sense of humor. I shall never forget that cheeky laugh and those twinkling eyes or the stories that Joe shared. My boys loved seeing Joe in the office when they were young and he always acknowledged and engaged with them. Such a lovely man, one of nature's gentlemen who has had a lasting impact on me and my family.

Thanks always for your kindness, humour and support. Your wonderful conversations, and in particular your inclusiveness of people. One of my special memories of you is that you trusted in the work I was doing, and let me know that, an incredibly valuable thing. 🦋

A good heart has stopped beating, a kind soul left us behind. We part with our beloved colleague in pain, but your memory will be always with us Joe. I am so thankful that I had the chance to meet you and learn from you to be humble and kind and to always treat everyone with kindness and respect. Rest in peace Joe.

I will miss your big hug every time we meet. Our long chats, your beautiful smile and laughter. Love you lots😢

Joe - one the kindest, most generous souls I have met. I have had many a long and enjoyable conversation with you Joe whilst employed at Deakin, and away from work. Regardless of a person's position in the organisation Joe always had time to give. Will be so... missed.....😔

I will always remember Joe for his kindness, good deeds, fairness - giving everyone a fair chance. RIP

Few people make a huge impact on our lives and Joe, you were one of the few.
You were a mentor and a friend and I especially appreciated the many conversations we had and the advice you provided in relation to managing challenging people and situations at Deakin.
I will miss you enormously.
Arlene💝

My dear friend, I will miss your words of wisdom and your kindness I amso thankful that I was able to share in your journey, till we meet again.

Sad to hear that Joe has passed.
He spoke with such passion for what we are doing here. One thing that Joe said Really resonated with me, he said that in all of the years that there has been a board with WISE, they have voted multiple times and none of them have opted to take a salary. That is true commitment.

I was very sad to hear of Joe's death. In all my interactions with him he struck me as kind and gentle, as well as knowledgeable and intelligent. I liked him very much and I know that he will be missed. My very best wishes go to his family and close friends.

It was a pleasure and an education working with Joe. He will be much missed.

You were always so generous with your time, always happy to listen and share your wisdom, experience, kindness, positivity and joy. A conversation with you always ended on an optimistic note (and a good laugh). Thank you for being a mentor and an inspiration... thank you for always finding the time... thank you for being Joe Graffam.

Such a wonderful friend who will always have a special place in my heart.

With fondest memories and thanks to Joe as an enormously respected senior leader and colleague at Deakin.

You were one of the wisest and kindest person I knew, Joe. I think I told you this once, and you just shook your head and laughed. I learnt so many things from you - how to listen, how to wait, and wait(you will understand this), empathy, kindness and so much more. You shared so many fascinating and rich stories of your life, thank you. I will always remember the red dancing shoes, and the Daly clock! I can only say I am sorry we did not have more coffees about our piano learning. Rest in Peace, Joe. ,

It was such a pleasure to discuss matters of HDRs with you - your passion for our students was limitless.
Matthew

May you rest in peace, Joe. You will forever stay in my heart with the fondest memories.
I am sending my deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

I will always remember Joe's enthusiasm and the generosity of spirit. He shared so much with so many. He made a difference and will be greatly missed.