For many, Meals on Wheels is more than a daily meal service, it is the spirit of community, support and a friendly face.
That is what the volunteers of Meals on Wheels in Gilgandra offer residents.
Mayor Doug Batten says,
"With August 25 being National Meals on Wheels Day, it provides an opportunity for us to reflect and recognise the dedication, commitment and resilience of our Meals on Wheels volunteers who have supported this service and our community".
Adding,
"Over the last few years, Meals on Wheels has faced a number of challenges. From the devastating drought, to the mouse plague and COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff and volunteers continued to turn up and ensure our community was fed".
With the ongoing concern over COVID-19 and the current stay-at-home orders, the Meals on Wheels service is more important than ever.
Acting Manager Community Care, Emma Meyers says the Meals on Wheels team in Gilgandra is ready for the challenges ahead.
"Meals on Wheels Gilgandra is very fortunate to be able to respond quickly to with the changes required in these uncertain COVID times, while continuing to have the support of Gilgandra Shire Council and the community".
"It is the volunteer's support of their community that we are grateful for, which means we can continue to provide meals and a friendly contact for our clients across the Gilgandra community".
"It's not just nourishing meals we deliver, we also provide transport for clients, deliveries of groceries and essential items as well as providing social connection and wellbeing checks by our volunteers" says Ms Meyers.
Meals on Wheels Australia identified the theme of this year's Meals on Wheels day as Meals on Wheels needs more wheels! There is the need for more volunteer delivery drivers to operate the service Australia wide.
Meals on Wheels say, this year, while celebrating and thanking the wonderful work of our Meals on Wheels volunteers across the country, we are also looking to inspire 'the next generation' of volunteers by collaborating with Australian primary schools.
St Joseph's school spent some time last week making Thank you cards for our local Meals on Wheels volunteers (photo attached) which have since been distributed.
"It is a fitting way to connect our next generation with the services and dedication of our volunteers, hopefully inspiring them in the future with the well-known and valued volunteer spirit in Gilgandra" says Mayor Batten.
