September 12, 2013
Wondai Diggers Cub was packed with well-wishers, volunteers and special guests on Thursday for a lunch to mark the 30th anniversary of the Wondai Meals on Wheels service.
Committee president Marion Barnes said the then-Wondai Shire Council called a public meeting in August 1983 to determine if there was a need to establish a Meals on Wheels service locally.
A few weeks later, on September 12, the first meals were delivered.
Marion said there were two runs then – and there are still two runs now – but the number of meals delivered has grown.
Originally there was just 10 meals delivered; the average these days is 43.
Marion thanked all the volunteers – and Wondai groups – who have assisted Meals on Wheels over the years.
She said they had a made a big difference in the lives of local residents.
“Some of our clients are lonely and they really appreciate a chat when we deliver the meals,” she said.
Meals on Wheels Queensland president Don Wikner, who presented the Wondai committee with a Certificate of Appreciation, said Meals on Wheels began in Queensland in 1956.
There were now more than 15,000 volunteers helping 10,800 clients and serving 2.2 million meals every year; nationally, Meals on Wheels has 78,700 volunteers and serves 14.8 million meals per year.
NB. The Yarraman Meals on Wheels service also began in 1983.
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