Joan has made valuable contributions to ARPA Bushwalkers through:
- Committee member 1996 to 2000 (inc)
- ARPA Bushwalkers rep on Walking Federation 1997 to 2001
- Co-leader of the Heysen 4 group, who walked the trail 1997 to 99.
- Led many day walks at all levels and assisted on a number of walking camps
- Co-instigated (with Carlien Melrose) the Early Morning Walks