One of the icons of Australian community care celebrates its 60th - or diamond - anniversary today.
Meals on Wheels services have been part-and-parcel of the Australian community for 60 years today and the 80,000 'diamonds' who volunteer in local communities around the country are being celebrated.
Each year, Meals on Wheels delivers 14 million meals to more than 60,000 people in urban, rural and regional areas.
“This day marks the real progress we have made from those humble beginnings in South Melbourne, where a lady on a tricycle delivered a few meals to local residents," said National Meals on Wheels President, Ron Welsh.
"It is an opportunity to highlight to the Australian people the significant contribution that is made to the community by 680 Meals on Wheels services and some 80,000 volunteers across Australia”.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary, every Meals on Wheels client across Australia will receive a commemorative placemat with their meal delivery.
“We want to share our celebrations with all the people we serve, so branches, kitchens and services across the nation will deliver the mat and each choose their own special way to mark the occasion”, he said.
“The Meals on Wheels service and volunteers across Australia not only provide a nutritious meal to over 60,000 clients each year, but also an important community connection through calling at homes each day to provide a cheery welcome, daily contact and monitor the wellbeing of each valued client, hence our national theme ‘More than just a meal’”.
While the tradition and values of Meals on Wheels remain true to its origins 60 years ago, a focus on engaging people of all ages and walks of life is unfolding and bringing renewed energy, ideas and vision to help the organisation continue to provide a vital service. The multicultural nature of society is echoed in the food, faces and friendships that typify Meals on Wheels across the nation.
The economic value of the Meals on Wheels service is in excess of $350 million per year. While services receive some government funding, they could not operate without volunteers to keep costs down and make meals affordable for clients.
Clients can self-refer to Meals on Wheels if they believe they may benefit from the service or they can be referred, for example by a health practitioner or family member.
Meals on Wheels is always looking for new volunteers to contribute just a few hours a fortnight. A simple visit to Meals on Wheels can put people in touch the local organisation.
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