MEALS ON WHEELS FAREWELLS 40-YEAR VOLUNTEER

Lower Burdekin Meals on Wheels has waved goodbye to one of its longest serving volunteers, Betty Durrant, who leaves her post at the organisation after nearly 40 years of service. Photo supplied.

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Lower Burdekin Meals on Wheels has waved goodbye to one of its longest-serving volunteers, Betty Durrant, who steps away from the organisation after nearly 40 years of service.

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Ms Durrant’s decades-long service was celebrated last month during a morning tea at Meals on Wheels kitchen on Macmillan Street, Ayr, where she was formally thanked by her peers for her contributions both as a cook and as a delivery driver.

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Committee Business Manager Gail Minehan said Ms Durrant's presence in the kitchen would be greatly missed.

“Betty was a very valued volunteer,” she said.

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“We’re all going to miss the talks and the camaraderie that she brought to the kitchen. She dedicated her time to us, and we greatly appreciate her—and all our volunteers—for that.

“We wish Betty all the best after her 40 years, a huge milestone.”

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Ms Durrant’s passion for volunteering was born from her husband Arthur’s involvement with Rotary, which inspired her to take part in community fundraising efforts before eventually joining Meals on Wheels.

She first joined the organisation as a delivery volunteer before moving into the kitchen, a role she preferred and would ultimately spend most of her four-decade stint doing.

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Her dedication to community service was eventually recognised in 2025 with a Lifetime Service Award at the Australia Day Awards for her contributions to Meals on Wheels, Finlay’s and the Ayr Golf Club, of which she is a life member.

She said that throughout her years at the organisation, she had made “wonderful friends” and seen firsthand that the value of its work extended far beyond simply providing meals.

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“I’ve seen lots of changes in those years … and I met lots of wonderful people. That's the amazing thing about volunteering—it really is,” Ms Durrant said.

“It’s a great service for the people, and sometimes it’s the only people [customers] see all day—the person that delivers their meal.

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“You realise the need for it … and you keep at it because it's a service to the town and to the people. I like helping people, and I always have. To me, it's no effort.”

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She admitted it was difficult to leave knowing volunteers were needed, but acknowledged “you’ve got to pull the pin at some point.”

She now encourages community members to step up and help keep Meals on Wheels rolling.

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“If you find it’s not your thing, you don’t have to go … but just give it a try,” she said.

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Ms Minehan said volunteers of all ages and backgrounds were welcome, particularly following the recent departures of both Ms Durrant and another long-serving volunteer, Vanda, who was also recognised for her service.

“We appreciate all our volunteers, whether they’ve been here five minutes or 40 years,” she said.

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“We are grateful for whatever time anyone can spare, whether it’s one hour, two hours a week—it doesn’t matter how small.

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“Anyone who's looking to give something back to the community, whether in the kitchen or on delivery, is more than welcome to join our team.”

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Anyone seeking further information is encouraged to either email the organisation at mowayr@bigpond.com or drop into the kitchen at 109 Macmillan Street, Ayr.

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