Celebrating volunteers on National Meals on Wheels Day

BUCKETTS Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG) joined communities across Australia in celebrating National Meals on Wheels Day, hosting an afternoon tea to honour local volunteers on Wednesday, 27 August.

National Meals on Wheels Day recognises the invaluable contribution of approximately 14,000 volunteers across Australia who deliver far more than meals – they bring connection, care, and reassurance to older Australians and people living with disability.

In Gloucester, the Meals on Wheels service launched on 4 February 1974, when the very first meal was delivered to 79-year-old Flora Taylor, an event which made the local television news.

At that time, there was no government funding, and the service was built through the determination and hard work of local community members and organisations, including the Country Women’s Association.

Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group’s Kathleen Woolley said much has changed since those early days.

“The way the program is delivered has had to evolve, both to adhere to changing legislation and to protect the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable people who rely on the service,” she said.

“For eight years in a row BWNG’s purpose-built Meals on Wheels kitchen has consistently achieved an ‘A’ rating (the highest rating available) in inspections conducted by the Department of Primary Industries.

“It is staffed by two experienced cooks who prepare made-to-order meals from fresh ingredients five days a week.

“We rely on around 20 dedicated volunteers who give their time and use their own vehicles to deliver these meals across the community, ensuring that clients not only receive nourishing food but also vital social connection.”

Following Wednesday’s celebration, BWNG extended its “heartfelt thanks” to all Meals on Wheels volunteers past and present.

“Your generosity and commitment ensure that people in our community can continue to live independently and with dignity in their own homes.”