Approximately 20 years ago, Joy Barratt became involved in a social club providing meals and social events for the disabled. Today, the City awarded Joy with a City of Kalamunda Senior Community Local Hero Award for her continued support of the disabled, and her coordination and commitment to 'Showing a Hills Christmas' creating Christmas hampers and gifts for those in need.

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 Although the venue has changed multiple times and the evening meals have been replaced by afternoon teas, the group continues to meet, offer support, and enjoy each other’s company.

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.”

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