Kerry Kostrubic (Service Coordinator), Steph Cooke, Rhonda Douglas (Cootamundra Meals on Wheels).
This National Meals on Wheels Day, Cootamundra Meals on Wheels, joined communities across Australia in recognising the extraordinary impact of Meals on Wheels in delivering not only essential nutrition, but also connection, dignity and care to older Australians and people in need.
Held annually on the last Wednesday in August, National Meals on Wheels Day shines a light on the thousands of volunteers, staff and supporters who form a nationwide movement of care that has supported communities for more than 70 years.
Chair of Meals on Wheels™ Australia, Paul Sadler, said the day is an opportunity to acknowledge the enduring importance of human connection in community care.
“Meals on Wheels is one of Australia’s most trusted and enduring community services, but at its heart it is something even more powerful — it is neighbours caring for neighbours,” Mr Sadler said.
“Every meal delivered represents more than nutrition. It is a check-in, a conversation and a moment of connection that can quite literally change someone’s day, and sometimes their life.”
Mr Sadler said for over seven decades volunteers remain the backbone of the organisation and a vital part of Australia’s social fabric.
Stephen Flaws with LIONS CLUB Member Eric Thorburn.
Stephen Flaws with GIRL GUIDES President Belinda Campbell.
“They are not simply delivering meals, they are delivering reassurance, dignity and connection.”
Locally, Cootamundra Meals on Wheels on Wheels had the support of the local member Steph Cooke to assist with delivering “MORE THAN JUST A MEAL” to our local residents. The regular visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer, not only delivers a nutritious meal but it also brings a friendly face and the opportunity for a conversation, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental health.
Along with freshly cooked hot meals, supplied by Adina Care, Cootamundra Meals on Wheels also offers a large variety of frozen meals, as well as Social Support (group) activities, together these services are designed to empower our consumers and enable them to keep living active, social and independent lives.
The service would like to especially acknowledge the wonderful work of the dedicated volunteers who have donated their time and skills to keeping this vital service running 6 days per week. This year a special thank you goes out to the Business Houses, Schools & other Community Organisations with a delivery of their own. Meals on Wheels have delivered specially made and decorated cookies with the services logo and colours – made possible by a Grant through the Cootamundra Ex-Serviceman’s Club and Club Grants NSW.
Meals on Wheels is a Movement of Care, powered by volunteers and strengthened by the community.
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