The beginning of World War II in 1940 cut this short and Epstein began working with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) back in Australia.
She was also involved in composing and teaching children's music with the Melbourne College of Advanced Education, Institute of Early Childhood Development until 1976.
[2] Epstein began publishing her work in 1951 and would go on to create over fifty plays, scripts, short stories, books, and songs.
Most of her work focused on the experiences of people with disabilities and she endeavored to raise awareness for the needs of that community.
[3] 1986: Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for "service to the arts and to the welfare of people with disabilities"[5] 1981: The Friends of Burramys – Nominated for the Best Children's Book, Whitley Awards[4] The National Library of Australia's Manuscript Collection hosts a collection of Epstein's work and correspondence, called the Papers of June Epstein 1935–1999, which she herself had donated up until 1999.