Celebrating our Meals on Wheels champions

Published on 26 August 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council is celebrating the role Meals on Wheels plays in the community as part of National Meals on Wheels Day.

Held annually on the last Wednesday in August, the day enables Meals on Wheels Australia and the organisations that oversee local Meals on Wheels programs to recognise the 76,000 volunteers nationally who assist with the delivery of hot meals to our senior Australians.

“The Gannawarra has a strong association with the Meals on Wheels program, with 2020 marking the 50th anniversary of the service’s introduction to the municipality,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Run in partnership with Cohuna District Hospital and Kerang District Health, the Meals on Wheels program enables the delivery of more than 10,000 meals to residents in seven towns within the Gannawarra each year.”

Due to Council’s efforts in protecting the health of its volunteers, staff and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Council staff have undertaken the delivery of hot meals to residents since March.

“Our Meals on Wheels program would usually not be possible without the dedicated group of more than 250 volunteers who regularly give one hour of their time to deliver a hot meal to residents,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Meals on Wheels is more than just receiving a hot meal. It is about the connection developed between participants and the volunteers or Council staff members who deliver these meals, especially during these unusual times.

“Council looks forward to welcoming our dedicated volunteers back to assist with this program when social distancing measures are relaxed.”

NOTE: The above image was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.