HOPE is an amazing word according to well-known Gunnedah figure Joy Wilson.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She said it can help people through rough times and steer them towards a brighter future.
“People hold out hope for so many things, for better days,” Joy said.
“Farmers in particular are great at hoping for more rain and a better season.”
Joy has spent the past 30 years working with people in need of hope through a number of roles with the Salvation Army, including her latest as the head of Gunnedah’s Hope House.
Joy was born in Cairns and seemed destined to work within the community after seeing both her parents serve with the Salvation Army for many years.
“We moved around a lot as my parents were posted to different towns, but my home was always wherever my parents were.”
She began her journey in 1984 when she joined the Salvation Army church in her home state of Queensland. She then spent many years working throughout Queensland, including six years at Beenleigh, before moving to a role in Gunnedah.
When Joy moved to Gunnedah, she was unaware how much impact the town would have on her.
“Both my roles here have been extremely rewarding,” she said.
Joy initially worked as a corp officer with the Salvation Army in Gunnedah and during that time “felt such a burden for disadvantaged people”.
“I wanted to do something for the challenged and disadvantaged people of Gunnedah.
“I wanted to give them a voice,” she said.
The idea was born for an innovative hub catering for disadvantaged members of the community.
“The idea for Hope House was like a blank page that needed to be filled.
“It was a massive challenge but I like to take on challenges,” she said.
It took several years of hard work and a lot of support for the community before the door to Hope House was officially opened in 2012.
“I went into Homes North and asked if there was a house available and I was given this neglected and vandalised building in Hopedale Avenue, which had been boarded up for security,” Joy said.
“It took more than two years of hard work and voluntary labour to bring it up to scratch but now it is a warm, welcoming place where people can drop in and feel comfortable.”
Joy said local businesses and organisations have continued to show their support for Hope House, including Shenhua Watermark, Whitehaven Coal and Zonta.
Hope House is a safe place for estranged parents to visit their children under DOCs supervision instead of travelling to Tamworth.
Joy said many people referred to Hope House by the courts are dealing with suppressed anger from childhood abuse, and the Salvation Army Heal for Life program has helped them get back on track.
“The people that come through our door always have amazing stories and we are here to help them,” she said.
Hope House caters for people from all walks of life, both in town and out.
Several years ago, Joy was involved in a Salvation Army campaign to thank the region’s farmers who were doing it tough.
“Commissioner James Condon wrote a letter to farmers when it was really bleak thanking them for their role.”
Joy spent countless hours’ hand delivering the letters to local farmers.
She was also recently involved in a media campaign aimed at giving hope to local farmers.
“We were contacted by [television program] Sunrise to find a few farmers and gift them new equipment. One of the farmers broke down in tears after receiving our help.
“We wanted to highlight the plight of the farmers, especially those struggling to feed and water stock.”
Joy has also been heavily involved in running a Christmas Day lunch at the PCYC each year.
“This will be my seventh Christmas Day lunch and it is such a special time as many of these people can’t afford to celebrate Christmas,” she said.
More than 220 people are booked in for the lunch, which has been described as a miracle by those who attend.
“A lot of people don’t look forward to Christmas as it’s an extremely stressful time full of financial pressures,” Joy said.
“For three hours on Christmas day, these people are in an environment where they are respected, loved and cared for.”
The Christmas Day is well supported by a number of other Salvation Army corps including Tamwoth, Barraba, Chatswood and Stafford, however donations are always welcome.
“Without their help we wouldn’t be able to give out gifts at the lunch.”
“We are also very grateful for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree appeal and TMO for their support.”
After resigning from the Salvation Army last week, Joy is unsure of what her future will hold, but is happy to have finally “found her fit” in Gunnedah.
AFTER more than three decades serving a variety of communities through her role as a Salvation Army corp officer, Major Joy Wilson has made the tough decision to step down from the organisation.
“It’s the only job I’ve ever known and I’m going to miss it,” she said.
Joy made the heart-breaking decision to resign from the Salvation Army after she was advised she would be posted to a role in Roma in the new year and have to leave her position at Hope House.
“I’ve been here for eight years, which is by far the longest I’ve ever served in one place. I decided that staying in Gunnedah with my family is the most important thing at the moment,” Joy said. “I’ve never had a home before and I’ve found a real fit here in Gunnedah.”
Joy said the Gunnedah community will be well looked after with Captains Gaye and Richard Day appointed to the region. They will also work with Shannon Price at Hope House as an additional appointment.
Joy is now looking forward to the year ahead, including spending time with her husband Brian, children and grandchildren. And although she has no firm plans, she is ready for the next challenge.
“Hopefully I’ll find something locally that will continue to really benefit the community.”
Joy will finish up her duties with the Salvation Army at Hope House’s annual Christmas Day lunch at the PCYC.