Warrumbungle Community Care receive second Innovation Award for Meals on Wheels

Warrumbungle Community Care are the proud recipients of the NSW Meals on Wheels Innovation Award for 2022. 

“This is the second time Warrumbungle Community Care have won this prestigious award, winning it previously in 2020,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Building on the success of their first Food Partnership Program, Warrumbungle Community Care embraced the theme of “Future Proofing Meals on Wheels” and expanded their unique meal voucher system supporting both local people and local businesses.”

Warrumbungle Community Care created booklets of ten $10 food vouchers for their Meals on Wheels clients, that could be used at a variety of food businesses throughout the Warrumbungle Shire.

“The initiative not only allows Warrumbungle Community Care to service a larger group of people, but also gives the clients access and choice for their meals. It encourages people to get out and socialise and increases their independence, whilst also providing clients with a wider variety of choice, along with the regular hot and frozen meals and breakfast packs already on offer,” said Cr Doolan. 

Since the inception of the program, both the number of vouchers and participating food vendors has more than doubled from 18 food vendors in 2020 to more than 30 vendors across the Shire, incorporating cafes, bakeries, IGA, pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Every year, Meals on Wheels recognise innovative programs that are locally developed to suit the local community. Meals on Wheels is synonymous with community engagement and care. Their motto of “More than just a meal” allows their clients to not only receive a nutritious meal but engage in social interaction with the volunteers who make it all possible.

“Congratulations to Warrumbungle Community Care, this is an amazing achievement for a fantastic service within our local community,” Cr Doolan concluded.  

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On Monday 17 October 2022, Warrumbungle Community Care Supervisor, Deanne Britton and Senior Coordinator, Kimberley Pickette attended the Annual General Meeting of Meals on Wheels NSW in Sydney. The Innovation Award was presented by Meals on Wheels President Chris Watt.

Last Updated: 15 Nov 2022