National Meals on Wheels Day is an annual celebration of the driving force behind the organisation. It falls on the last Wednesday in August each year. Photo: @mownsw on Instagram.
Wagga residents are invited to a morning tea for National Meals on Wheels Day to celebrate the “unsung heroes” in our community.
National Meals on Wheels Day falls on the last Wednesday in August each year, with the annual celebration happening on 27 August this year.
Wagga Meals on Wheels manager Christine Brewer said the Wagga branch would organise a morning tea with tea, coffee and celebratory cake for all their volunteers and clients.
“We’re just happy to give back to the community,” Ms Brewer said.
Meals on Wheels Australia chair Paul Sadler said volunteers across the country delivered freshly prepared meals, a familiar face and a check-in that ensured wellbeing each day.
“In a changing and sometimes flawed aged care system, Meals on Wheels stands strong as a trusted, reliable service,” Mr Sadler said.
“As aged care changes, our promise doesn’t – to show up, nourish and care.”
As concerns grow over the nation’s readiness to support a growing and ageing population, Mr Sadler is calling for more volunteers to take the wheel, donate or spread the word this National Meals on Wheels Day.
“Meals on Wheels services are run for locals, by locals,” he said.
“But right now, some of these vital services are at risk.
“In the face of aged care reform and rising costs, we cannot afford to lose Meals on Wheels. Australia must act to protect and sustain this essential service.”
Meals on Wheels Australia started in 1989, but Meals on Wheels has been delivering fresh meals to its clients for more than 70 years, and has expanded to a dedicated 35,000 volunteers across the nation.
There are close to 600 brick-and-mortar locations across Australia, with 14,000 volunteers across 130 services in NSW.
Mr Sadler said the service is “not just about meals, it’s about connection, dignity and helping people live safely at home“. Volunteers have been known as “unsung heroes”, often being the first to discover when a client has had a fall or health episode.
According to the Social Report from Australian social impact and wellbeing consultancy group Huber Social, only 20 per cent of clients have more than one meaningful social connection per day.
This puts them at risk of loneliness and social isolation, which are considered significant health and wellbeing issues in Australia.
Loneliness has been linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes and premature death.
Social isolation, on the other hand, can lead to a range of mental health issues including emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, dementia, as well as poor health such as high blood pressure and poor immune function.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates that the population of Australians aged above 85 is set to double by 2042.
One in six Australians are aged 65 years and older (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). By 2066, it is projected that older people in Australia will make up between 21 and 23 per cent of the total population (ABS 2018).
If you are feeling lonely and looking for support, speak with someone who you trust – a friend, family member or caring professional.
Wagga Wheels on Meals will be hosting a morning tea on 27 August for National Meals on Wheels Day. To RSVP, contact its office on 6921 2205, or just turn up on Wednesday!
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
