Cheers to Meals on Wheels Volunteers

Published on 29 August 2018

In celebration of National Meals on Wheels Day today, Baw Baw Shire Council thanks the 260 registered volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels to the community.

National Meals on Wheels Day is an opportunity to celebrate this significant service, not only in our Shire, but also across the nation. There are over 700 Meals on Wheels services and over 80,000 volunteers across Australia.

Locally, the Meals on Wheels program is facilitated through Council’s Community Services team and dedicated volunteers who deliver meals to people with a wide range of support needs including seniors, people with disabilities, and those recovering from illness, injury or surgery.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Joe Gauci expressed his appreciation to the staff and volunteers who are continually committed to providing meals to the community.

“Over the past 12 months, over 18,500 meals have been delivered to over 280 households across the Shire by hundreds of amazing volunteer drivers and helpers”, said the Mayor.

“Aged residents and people with disabilities across the Shire access the service for healthy, nutritious, three course meals, delivered to the door. Meals on Wheels and other support services provides a way for people to stay in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible.

“The wonderful volunteers do a wonderful job and make a real difference in people’s lives and we thank them for their valuable contribution to our community”.

The meals are greatly appreciated by those who receive them, and the team is often encouraged by positive feedback from clients.

Warragul resident Helen Jones is a regular Meals on Wheels client and recently said, "I had no idea that I would even need Meals on Wheels until my stroke in late February”.

“I am very thankful for the service and my heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers who give their time to deliver meals to those of us who find this service necessary. I look forward to their arrival each day of delivery as I am not leaving the home as often as I used to", said Mrs Jones.

Recently, CEO Alison Leighton and the Executive team were treated to a Meals on Wheels lunch. They were impressed by the quality of the meals supplied by Mannix College and Neerim District Hospital. The Executive team have arranged to accompany our volunteers to deliver meals to experience for themselves how our residents feel about the meals they receive.

Acting CEO Mark Dupe said it was great to shadow the volunteers and experience the high level of service and care first hand.

“It takes around 18 volunteers a day to deliver the service across our vast Shire and the team run like a well-oiled machine. They really care about what they do and are welcomed with a smile by all their clients”, said Mr Dupe.

“From my own experience, Meals on Wheels is much more than a food delivery service. It provides a valuable daily check-in and a conversation to brighten the day. We are very lucky to have such a caring community and can never thank our volunteers enough for the work they do.”

For more information about the Meals on Wheels service or other volunteering opportunities, please call 5625 0229 or visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Volunteering

Images: Acting CEO Mark Dupe and volunteers Max Hines and Sue Berg embarking on a round of Meals on Wheels deliveries.