Norwood Meals on Wheels celebrates 70 years

Founded in March 1955, the Norwood Meals on Wheels kitchen has left an indelible mark on our community.

Meals on Wheels South Australia was founded in 1954 by Doris Taylor MBE, who  understood the importance of ageing in place and the desire for people to remain living in their homes, where they are often happiest.

Miss Taylor’s vision has continued to be realised across the State, and this year we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Norwood Kitchen and the vital contributions of their volunteers for the benifit of our community.

Chair of the South Australian branch for more than 25 years, Margaret McKenzie knows the value that the service delivers to the community, and that it is more than a meal.

The delivery of a meal comes with a smile and a friendly chat, providing social connection and enhancing overall well-being of older Australians.

“Meals on Wheels is a service that helps people stay at home. Some of our people have relatives faraway so it is a comfort for them that someone is checking in on them during the week,” she says.

Local Meals on Wheels volunteer Gill Davis (pictured) knows this all too well.

"Often, you’re the only person who a client will connect with each day, sometimes each week, so they’re very happy to see you which makes everyone feel good.”

Gill, inspired by her parents who were both Meals on Wheels volunteers in Adelaide’s south, has been delivering meals across Adelaide’s east for 17 years.

“The most fulfilling part of volunteering for Meals on Wheels is the people we deliver to."

“Most are appreciative of our meals, and we meet all sorts of people (and their pets), from all walks of life.”

As a delivery driver, Gills says hercontributions have also provided the opportunity to educate others about Meals on Wheels and support them to experience the rewards of volunteering for such an impactful organisation.

“Over the years I’ve trained new volunteers by taking them out to deliver meals and hosted several politicians on my delivery round so they can see firsthand what we do and the difference we make."

“I’ve also enjoyed engaging with school students who have joined me on deliveries as part their community service and likewise professionals who are supported by their employer to give back to their community.”

Gill can’t speak highly enough of the impact of volunteering—for her and for the people she delivers meals to.

“Everyone is busy, but it doesn’t take much time out of your day. Our clients appreciate the meals and the friendly chat, and it makes you feel good to give back to people who appreciate what you’re doing for them.”

Seven decades on from its establishment, Meals on Wheels operates more than 80 branches in communities across South Australia, delivering 1.2 million nourishing meals
every year to 12,000 South Australians with the incredible generosity and dedication of more than 6,000 volunteers just like Gill.

Find out more about Meals on Wheels:
www.mealsonwheelssa.org.au

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