STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL - NATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS DAY

30 August 2006

On behalf of all Australians, Marlena and I express our gratitude to the 78,750 volunteers who deliver more than 14 million meals each year across the nation to older Australians who have difficulty preparing their own food.

The logistics of preparing so many meals, ensuring they are nutritionally balanced and appetising, and presented in a way that meets the needs of each citizen, is a truly major undertaking. Many people with dementia, for example, have difficulty in using a knife and fork and their meals need to be presented in a way that accommodates this.

Meals on Wheels volunteers do more than just deliver meals, they contribute significantly to the physical and emotional health of others by providing a level of care which they otherwise would not have.

Often Meals on Wheels volunteers are a client’s only daily contact. Volunteers provide a level of caring support that used to be provided by family or the next door neighbour. A Meals on Wheels volunteer can help break down the high degree of isolation many older people experience.

We encourage you to consider become part of this wonderful community initiative – new volunteers are always welcome.

Simply look on the Internet for contact details: Meals on Wheels Australia