We're talking with Joy Beames, from the famously named Dunedoo. Joy was recently the Country Women's Association NSW State President, with her three-year term finishing in mid-2025. Joy and Dimity chatted over a sometimes difficult internet connection between Albury and Dunedoo - something even the former State President of the CWA has to still contend with.

But our conversation doesn’t dwell on the difficulties facing rural NSW - instead Joy talks about advocacy, connection, positivity and her Kindness Project, of which she is particularly proud. 

Joy has sage advice for others looking to volunteer, saying “I think do it, but do it well. I’ve seen too many circumstances in the past where people have put themselves forward to wear the badge, not to do the job. So be aware of what it entails, but give it your all, put your heart in it and do it.”

Credits
Wise, Wild & Woven is proudly funded by the Rural Women’s Network in the NSW Government. Find out more about the Rural Women’s Network at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Wise, Wild & Woven was produced for the NSW Government by Dimity Brassil and A Lasting Tale. Find out more about their audio life story service at www.alastingtale.com