Joyce was born in December 1928 at the old Clunes Hospital and will soon celebrate her 96th birthday. She grew up in Glengower just outside of Clunes with her parents and three siblings. She attended the Glengower State School from 4 ½ to 7 years old and would ride a horse 4 ½ miles to and from school each day. She then moved to Clunes and completed her education at the Clunes Higher Elementary School.

When Joyce left school she got her first job at Steart’s Grocers where she worked for her uncle, Mr Bob Steart, then she went to work at the Clunes Hospital as a domestic for 2 years then she went on to work at Brown’s Fruit Shop until 1961.

Joyce returned to the Clunes and District Hospital as a domestic and after a few years was given the position of Cook. Joyce remained in this position until she retired in 1989 after 28 years of service.

Joyce didn’t just work at the Hospital, she also was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary for four years, a volunteer driver and also a friendly face when she delivered Meals on Wheels to the Clunes community. In 1994, Joyce became a volunteer at the Clunes Day Centre where she would religiously attend both Tuesday and Friday sessions. Joyce enjoyed making the clients their cups of tea and plating up their midday meals as well as joining in the activities by helping those that needed a hand. After many years of helping others, Joyce needed some help of her own and in June 2021 she became a client of the program that she had generously given her time and dedication to over many years.

During her time as a volunteer, Joyce was presented with a Life Governor Award for her service to Clunes Health and today’s presentation is further acknowledgement of her incredible contribution to the health service and her community.

Joyce has also been a very active person within the broader Clunes community and has helped many organisations. She is member of the Clunes Uniting Church congregation and was a Brownie Leader known as Tawny Owl, a committee member of the Clunes Neighbourhood House, president and secretary of the Clunes Country Women’s Association, a member of the Town Hall committee and the Clunes/Tourello Red Cross. Joyce was also a steward at the Clunes Agricultural Society in the home crafts section for many years and held positions as the president and secretary of the Trefoil Guild for which she received a 20 year service badge.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge Joyce’s dedication to her community and her local health service at Clunes. Joyce was thanked and honoured by Central Highlands Rural Health’s Director of Community Operations, Phil Catterson; Engagement & Fundraising Manager, Kathryn Kosloff; Social Support carers, Lyn Hull and Debbie Hildebrandt; Joyce’s family and friends.