Speeches
Thursday, 01 August 2024
Meals on Wheels 70th Anniversary reception
Rod and I as patron are delighted to welcome you to Government House, to mark the 70th anniversary of Meals on Wheels South Australia.
I know many of you have travelled long distances to be here, including from as far away as Mount Gambier, Mannum, Mount Barker, Peterborough, Jamestown, Strathalbyn, the Barossa Valley and various hills and suburban locations.
Seventy years is a milestone worth celebrating: 70 years of providing nutritious food, 70 years of care and connection, 70 years of being a friendly face and helping people age well in their own homes.
After all that’s where people are often happiest and feel safest.
Such longevity in an organisation is a testament to the strength of Meals on Wheels and its vital role in supporting the wellbeing, independence, and social connection of South Australians.
Rod and I were inspired when we visited the impressive Hindmarsh branch in 2022 and witnessed what happens behind the scenes.
After seeing the dedication of the staff and volunteers, and the camaraderie of the team, Rod became a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver.
Like you, he’s one of the band of volunteers who are the human face of Meals on Wheels; the person who brings a warm smile alongside a warm meal.
I know he gains much from his volunteering work, as you do.
I am sure that your founder, Doris Taylor, would have been proud of how Meals on Wheels has grown from its humble early days in Port Adelaide.
Since then, more than 55 million meals have been delivered, alongside wellbeing checks.
I know that my predecessor the Hon Hieu Van Le, was honoured to deliver the 50 millionth meal.
Today, Meals on Wheels supports nearly 12,000 people annually, providing 1.1 million meal services across the State, including to rural and remote locations.
A band of nearly 6,000 volunteers and 120 employees work across a network of 84 branches in South Australia.
But behind these statistics are stories of those who bring joy to vulnerable people, people who give compassion that touches lives, people whose generosity of spirit ensures that others know that someone cares about them.
Ultimately, it is the story of you, because Meals on Wheels SA wouldn’t be able to do its valuable work without the dedication of its staff and volunteers.
Whether you are a delivery driver, kitchen hand, or administration assistant, your role is vital to the end goal.
Like many organisations, Meals on Wheels, could benefit from more volunteers, and as Patron, I encourage you to spread the word about the benefits of serving the community in this way.
In doing so, we can ensure more seniors and people in need get the support they deserve.
Finally, I thank you all for your commitment to Meals on Wheels.
This 70-year milestone would not have been possible without the “great people who keep the wheels turning.”