Meals On Wheels launched

Published: Tuesday, 21 April 2020 at 11:00:00 AM

The Shire of Coolgardie is launching a Meals On Wheels service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to assist Seniors in making the transition into self-isolation until they can put their own support mechanisms in place.

The Shire identified the need to commence the Meals On Wheels service through its weekly wellness phone call check-ins with seniors in the community.

The service will include the delivery of a nutritious meal to those aged 70 years or older within Coolgardie and Kambalda.

Shire President, Malcolm Cullen said the CEO has been working hard to liaise with industry partners to get the program up and running.

“RangeCon Construction and Civil & Northern Star Resources have generously offered to prepare the meals for the Coolgardie community. These will be picked up by Shire Officers and delivered to homes once per week.”

“Kambalda ESS Support Services put up their hand to help get the program up and running in Kambalda, with a further $25,000 received in financial support provided by Gold Fields St Ives” said Cr Cullen.

Stuart Tonkin, CEO, Northern Star Resources commented that, “during this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to support the elderly and vulnerable members of the community. We look forward to working in partnership with the Shire of Coolgardie and RangeCon Construction and Civil to provide Meals On Wheels in Coolgardie.”

Bevan Jones, General Manager, St Ives Gold Mine commented that, “at Gold Fields our priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, business partners and the communities in which we live and operate in – this is particularly important in these unchartered times. We are proud to partner with local government and ESS to provide this vital service to support the most vulnerable members of the Kambalda community.”

Cr Cullen said “it’s a testament to the strong relationship we have with mining companies and service providers in our region. We appreciate their rapid response and support of this initiative."

The Shire of Coolgardie staff undertook a training day with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder who already have an established Meals On Wheels program.

"The City is pleased to be able to assist the Shire of Coolgardie as they develop their staff capabilities, especially with regards to caring for their most vulnerable community members," City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder CEO John Walker said.

The Meals On Wheels service will be launched on Tuesday 28 April and will be initially available to those 70 years or older and residing within the Shire of Coolgardie.

If you would like to submit an expression of interest to join the Shire of Coolgardie’s Meals On Wheels program, please contact the Shire on (08) 9080 2111 or complete the expression of interest form on the Shire’s website.

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