A century of community service honoured
Published on 15 October 2020
Two Kerang residents have been recognised for 50 years of service to the Gannawarra Meals on Wheels program.
Fran Crosbie and Alison McKenzie were each presented with a Gannawarra Shire Council 50-year anniversary pin, appreciation certificate and gift basket during a presentation at Kerang’s Atkinson Park on 13 October, held in COVIDSafe conditions.
Mrs Crosbie first volunteered with the Shire of Kerang-managed Meals on Wheels program in 1970 after seeing an advertisement in the local newspaper.
“My next door neighbour and I had a talk about it and decided that we would put our names down,” Mrs Crosbie said.
“It is important to put something back into the community. Kerang has been very good to me and Meals on Wheels is one way of giving back.
Mrs McKenzie’s involvement in the program began after her father opted to volunteer.
“My mum could have come and done it with him, but she wanted to babysit my children while I did it with Dad,” Mrs McKenzie said.
“As volunteers, we get more out of delivering the meal and talking to people than what the recipient of the meal does.”
Mrs Crosbie and Mrs McKenzie’s milestones coincide with the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Meals on Wheels program within the Gannawarra.
Now run in partnership with Cohuna District Hospital and Kerang District Health, 224 volunteers delivered up to 14,000 meals a year to residents throughout the municipality prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Through the COVID-19 pandemic, our amazing team of Community Care workers have continued the efforts of our volunteers, ensuring this essential service continues,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“Fifty years of Meals on Wheels within the Gannawarra Shire is a credit to the fabulous community spirit embodied within our residents, and Council looks forward to welcoming our dedicated volunteers back when COVID-19 restriction measures are eased.”
ABOVE: Fran Crosbie (second from left) and Alison McKenzie (second from right) were recognised for 50 years of service to the Gannawarra Meals on Wheels program, presented with a Gannawarra Shire Council 50-year anniversary pin, appreciation certificate and gift basket from Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O'Reilly (left) and Mayor Lorraine Learmonth.
NOTE: This publication is certified in accordance with the Gannawarra Shire Council Governance Rules.