Kerrod Trott 
If you’ve ever visited the Willunga Environment Centre (WEC) in High Street, Willunga, you may have run across a cheerful volunteer by the name of Joy Forrest.
Joy is renowned for the cheery smile and warm welcome with which she greets visitors to the Centre.
Joy has been a volunteer at WEC for more than fifteen years, and has managed the Centre’s library for much of that time.
“When I arrived at the Centre, there was a small selection of books on the shelves,” says Joy. “I helped build the collection to what it is today, and donated many of the books from my own library..
“Reading books, discussing books and meeting the people who come into the Centre has been inspiring.
“I’ve made some wonderful friends.”
Joy has also been inspired by the growing awareness of environmental issues in the local community.
“I love to read, and I love history,” she says, “and it was only natural that I should lean toward environmental issues.”
Joy is a long-time member of Trees for Life and supporter of the South Australian Greens, and has also been a part of Friends of the Washpool and Friends of the Aldinga Scrub.
Asked to recall the highlights of her time at the Willunga Environment Centre, Joy points to the formation of the YACCA Youth Group (her grand-daughter served as co-ordinator of the group for some time) and the establishment of the Wirra Creek Community Garden.
“WEC has had a very positive impact on the local community,” she says, “and a lot more people are now interested in, and enthusiastic about, the environment.”
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