The nonagenarian lives up to her name, having spent her life spreading happiness and making a difference through volunteering.

It started with knitting items for the soldiers in World War II and helping teach the “littlies” at her one-room, one-teacher small country school when she was a teenager.

At 17, she left home in Gulgong and moved to Gilgandra, where she worked as a telephonist – a position that set the stage for her lifelong dedication to helping others.

These moments of service sparked something in Joy and what followed has been decades of volunteering.

Her marriage in 1953 brought her to Newcastle, where she raised her two children and became deeply involved in her local community.

While the kids were at school, she volunteered in the Mother’s Club (now known as the Parent and Friends Association) and when they graduated, she became involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society – something that was rather revolutionary in 1971.

“St Vincent de Paul was virtually a male domain, and I think I was probably one of the first females that paved the way by becoming the regional president for Newcastle after three years.

“It was an honour.”

Just a few years later she was approached by the Uniting Church to become involved in a friendship club – a group for elderly people to help combat loneliness.

The ecumenical movement instantly appealed to Joy, so she went along to the first meeting and two days later she was asked to become a coordinator.

“After an hour's conversation with a friend, I decided to take on the role. So, we started the New Lambton Community Friendship Club in 1979,” Joy said.

“I'm the only surviving member of the original group but the Club is still functioning.

“In the first 12 to 18 months we had something like 106 members, and we had to close the books because there were too many at that stage of the game.

“I've probably seen hundreds of elderly people pass through the club over the 45 years.

“It is extremely special and so important for our community.”

Over the years, the club has flourished and fostered a sense of belonging among its members.

The club’s long-standing partnership with the Waratah Girls Choir is a testament to the strong community ties Joy has helped build.

For 35 years, the choir has been performing for the friendship club and plans to continue for as long as both entities exist.

When asked why she is so passionate about what she does, Joy’s answer was simple.

“I just love people,” she said.

“I’m bored if I'm sitting at home, so I'm out almost every day, flitting around like a butterfly.”

One of her favourite things to do when volunteering with St Vincent de Paul is to visit St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton.

The students are big supporters of the charity through their Mini Vinnies Program.

Former School Principal and current Assistant Head of Catholic Schools Duilio Rufo said Joy would light up the school whenever she visited.

“I've known Joy for a long time, we're both in the same parish of Holy Trinity Blackbutt North and when I was Principal at St Therese’s she worked with us on a whole host of things,” he said.

“I'm totally in awe of her as a person and if I could say anything to her, I would say that I only hope that I can even do half of the work that she does to support other people.

“I'm just astounded by what she’s achieved.”

Joy’s incredible service was recognised earlier this year when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

It’s something she will cherish forever.

“Being honoured with the medal felt wonderful and is still feeling wonderful, but I keep shaking myself and thinking, why me,” Joy said.

“What makes me so special?

“But it’s magnificent and I feel very proud.”

Joy’s unwavering faith has been another cornerstone in her life. She’s served as a Special Minister of the Eucharist and remains active in her church community in several ways.

“My faith is my life,” she said.

“Just recently, when I got my Order of Australia, I was speaking with a retired Anglican minister and he said to me ‘you walk your faith’ and that has stayed with me.

“It was just lovely to hear because my faith really is important to me.”

It’s easy to see what will come next for Joy – she is going to keep embodying the spirit of community and service that has defined her life.

“I am going to keep volunteering for however long I can,” she said.

“At 92 years of age, I don't want to feel depressed thinking how much longer have I got left. Every day is an opportunity, and I am just going to keep going to the best of my ability.”

Joy’s secret to living a long and happy life involves three things – meditation, keeping busy, and living by this motto:

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

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