Meals on Wheels volunteers the key to wellbeing

Published on 31 August 2022

Meals on Wheels volunteers across Australia are being recognised today for their role they play in the community as part of National Meals on Wheels Day.

Occurring annually on the last Wednesday of August, National Meals on Wheels Day enables groups that play a role in the delivery of this important service – including Gannawarra Shire Council – to thank the 45,000 volunteers nationally that assist.

“As evident by their efforts in supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, our Meals on Wheels volunteers are vital members of the Gannawarra,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Our volunteers do more than provide hot or frozen meals for our residents. They provide an important social and wellbeing connection, which benefits both the volunteers and those receiving the service.”

Locally, Council partners with Cohuna District Hospital and Kerang District Health to deliver more than 10,000 meals to residents in seven towns within the Gannawarra each year.

“The Gannawarra has a strong association with the Meals on Wheels program, which has been running locally for more than 50 years,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Our dedicated volunteers provide at least one hour of their time each month to deliver meals, with some having assisting for as long as the program’s operation in the area.”

To become a Meals on Wheels volunteer or to learn more about this vital program, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/volunteer