Queensland’s selfless volunteers who devote hours of their time providing a meal and a friendly face to vulnerable Queenslanders will be celebrated as part of National Meals on Wheels Day today (31 August).
Minister for Disability Services Curtis Pitt today paid tribute to the thousands of Meals on Wheels volunteers who sacrifice their own time to improve the lives of Queenslanders.
“Meals on Wheels is one of Australia’s best known and loved community-based initiatives, providing essential assistance to thousands of Queenslanders every day,” he said.
“Our Meals on Wheels providers are primarily run by volunteers and I would like to express my thanks for the wonderful job they do in supplying ready-to-eat meals to frail aged people and younger people with disabilities in their own homes.
“Meals on Wheels is far more than just a food delivery service – not only do they deliver a hot meal to those in need but they also ensure the safety and wellbeing of their clients.
“When you live alone or find it difficult to prepare food for yourself, a Meals on Wheels delivery can make an enormous difference.
“I am delighted that Queenslanders have the opportunity to recognise the wonderful work of our volunteers on National Meals on Wheels day.”
Mr Pitt said that National Wheels on Meals Day also provided a great opportunity to encourage Queenslanders to consider volunteering at their local service.
“With more than 15,000 volunteers in Queensland, Meals on Wheels is one of the biggest volunteer organisations in Queensland,” he said.
“Its volunteers deliver more than 10,000 meals in Queensland each day – that’s more than 2.3 million meals across the state every year.
“However, they can always use a spare pair of hands, so I urge Queenslanders looking to make a difference in the community to seriously consider helping out.”
Mr Pitt said Meals on Wheels Queensland formed part of the wider joint State-Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) program that provided essential support services to frail, aged and younger people with a disability.
“Meals on Wheels is a Queensland icon and it can count on the continued support of the State Government,” he said.
“As part of that support, Meals on Wheels Queensland will receive more than $5.46 million in funding through the HACC program for 2011-12.
“Last year, we provided more than $5.45 million in funding to support 148 Meals on Wheels service providers to prepare and deliver meals across Queensland.”
People with a disability, their families and carers can now find information on government supports and services at www.qld.gov.au/disability
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