Joan started at the ASRC in early 2002 across the road from where the Footscray Centre stands today. Joan recalls it as a quite intimate space. On one end, you had women sewing and learning English right next to where the Reception was. A few steps from there, three rooms were used for one-on-one consultations and health checks. And on the other end, there was a wall with three donated computers available for the people that already started to come seeking the ASRC’s support.

Soon after she started in the Reception/Admin, the person who was coordinating left and she took it over. This was her realm for nearly 13 years, though she had never run an office before, she was exceptionally good at it.

It was when the ASRC shifted into the current building that she realised her role needed to become a paid full-time position. Joan only wanted to remain on as a volunteer, so she helped the newcomers adapt to the workload. She had an immense influence on the creation of the Office Management Team -including the Reception- where she still volunteers.