More Than A Meal

Another Year of Care, Connection & Community with Meals on Wheels

By Chelsea Ravizza

With a heartfelt team of passionate volunteers behind each and every delivery, Saint Andrews Meals on Wheels Lower Burdekin Committee has successfully concluded another jam-packed year of operations and are looking forward to what 2026 will bring.

“We hope to continue providing the caring service we have always offered, and when our clients receive their Meals on Wheels, they will be greeted by friendly, happy volunteers. This gives them the comfort of knowing that someone is coming each day,” enthused Gail Minehan, Business Manager of Saint Andrews Meals on Wheels Lower Burdekin Committee.

In the beginning of 2025, a whirlwind of unpredictable weather saw the local branch of Meals on Wheels overcome several hurdles, like flood-affected volunteers, to continue serving the community.

“In February, we continued to support our vulnerable clients as the weather and flooding events persisted, even while we had kitchen and delivery volunteers cut off by the rising Burdekin River across in Home Hill,” Gail recalled.

“We sent frozen meals over the weekend before, and we utilised the bus rail service to deliver food to our Home Hill clients while roads remained closed.”

Over the past year, the organisation welcomed clients and carers from Flexi Queensland and the Ayr Endeavour Foundation as well as several high school students into the kitchen and on deliveries as part of placement programs to support volunteers.

“The students seem to enjoy volunteering, and we always look forward to seeing them, as do our clients,” added Gail.

Saint Andrews Meals on Wheels Lower Burdekin Committee pride themselves on adding a personal touch of love and compassion when supporting each of their clients, and on annual occasions, volunteers continue to go the extra mile.

On a client’s birthday, the volunteers never fail to ensure the clients feel special and appreciated, delivering a beautiful birthday card straight to their front door. On Anzac Day, clients are gifted special commemorative biscuits and a fridge magnet, while at Easter, they receive a hot cross bun and three chocolate Easter eggs.

In December, festive gift bags filled with a selection of chocolates and a calendar for the year ahead are delivered to clients, generously donated to Meals on Wheels.

“Christmas is a very special time, and we receive a lot of support from the community like donations from businesses and organisations which we then pass onto our clients to make their Christmas a little bit brighter.”

As Meals on Wheels continues to grow, so does the demand for passionate, caring volunteers.

“Being involved with Meals on Wheels gives people a sense of knowing they’ve brightened someone’s day, because you may be the only person that client sees all day,” said Gail.

“It’s a real comfort for clients to know someone will be calling in, having a quick chat and checking in on them.”

Over time, clients and volunteers begin to form genuine friendships and connections with one another, creating a touching bond that continues to grow with each meal delivery.

“If you’re considering volunteering, you’re helping someone who may not be able to prepare their own food or get out to collect it themselves. You become part of an organisation that is dedicated and committed to supporting people in our community, helping clients continue to live independently and with dignity in their own homes,” Gail explained.

“No matter how much or how little time people can spare, it all helps Meals on Wheels continue providing this valuable service.”

If you would like to come along and join the wonderful Meals on Wheels volunteer team, call the kitchen on 07 4783 2659 or email Gail at mowayr@bigpond.com.

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Make a difference and become a Meals on Wheels volunteer in 2026. Photo supplied

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