Joy, with her nine helpers, provided Friday nights’ social events for a group of disabled people, with a 2-course home cooked meal, followed by games, crafts, or perhaps to watch a movie together. Although the venue has changed multiple times and the evening meals have been replaced by afternoon teas, the group continues to meet, offer support, and enjoy each other’s company.

Local Hero - Joy Barratt with Mayor Margaret Thomas

Joy also provides respite for a resident of an Active Foundation home in High Wycombe, sharing her home for weekends ‘away’, taking her shopping and providing ongoing friendship and caring.

In addition to her work with the disabled, Joy brings her caring magic to the City through her involvement with "Showing a Hills Christmas". Joy and her team of volunteers contact local businesses, schools and churches requesting donations of food, Christmas treats and gifts to share with those less fortunate, of all ages. The team comes together to create food hampers and wrap gifts, delivering them to community members in need, along with nursing home and caravan park residents. 

One recipient told Joy, "Thank you. This is the only Christmas gift I will receive, and I couldn't buy these Christmas goodies". 

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “The City is working to improve accessibility and inclusiveness for people with disability, their families and carers. 3.6% of our City’s population needs help in their day-to-day lives due to disability.*

“Thank you to Joy and her co-volunteers for caring – you are Local Heroes.”

The City’s monthly Local Hero Awards are proudly presented by the City of Kalamunda and supported by Echo News. 

Nominate your local hero today at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/local-heroes

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au 

* sourced from https://profile.id.com.au/kalamunda/assistance