Morning Tea in Support of Meals on Wheels (Qld) 70th Anniversary

Board Chair, Meals on Wheels Queensland, Mr Michael Homden; Chief Executive Officer, Mr Evan Hill; Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Good morning, everyone. Graeme and I are very pleased to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Meals on Wheels in Queensland.

As Joint Patrons, we are truly delighted to see so many representatives of the various facets of the organisation here today, each of you bringing particular skills and talents to the smooth operation of this much-loved service.

I note that our guests today are volunteers, drivers, board and committee members, managers and staff; those who work in finance, administration, development and sector support. I hope I have covered all the many roles you do!

The variety of the tasks underscores the complexity and scale of the Meals on Wheels operation, perhaps best exemplified by the thought—if one can even imagine it—of over 2.9 million meals prepared and delivered annually, right across our vast state. 

Few things come closer to the beating heart of any community than ready access to good food. For nearly 24,000 Queenslanders, Meals on Wheels makes that wonderful feeling a reality.  Your many clients open their doors to see a friendly face, and benefit from the healthy, fresh meals you bring to their homes.

Where older Queenslanders may no longer be as mobile or self-sufficient as they once were, with many facing debilitating health challenges, the warmth in your greeting and the nutrition you bring directly supports their independence.  It also reduces feelings of loneliness and social isolation. You create a valuable link to the wider community, while supporting the safety and wellbeing of your clients.

As former health professionals, Graeme and I understand the enormous physical and emotional benefits your service brings to older Queenslanders, right to their front doors.

And as we reflect on the achievements of this remarkable organisation over seven decades, perhaps the clearest measure of its importance is this: could we imagine our communities without Meals on Wheels?

This is an organisation that can be found working quietly, efficiently, kindly — in 140 locations across our state, including rural and regional Queensland, in remote towns, and in our bustling cities.

Whether urban or rural, in the often-hostile weather that Queenslanders know so well, the need is always there, and Meals on Wheels in Queensland, with its wonderful staff and volunteers, has stepped up to meet this need with a smile.

From its humble beginnings in Ipswich in 1956, when Rhoda Cameron recognised that she had neighbours in need and cooked meals for them, Meals on Wheels has expanded across Queensland (and indeed, the nation) to become the iconic, deeply important service it is today.

It’s moving to think that seventy years after Mrs Cameron packed her freshly cooked food into pudding bowls, representatives of Ipswich Meals on Wheels have joined us here at Fernberg this morning. 

During my term as Governor, Graeme and I have travelled extensively throughout the State, listening to the experiences of Queenslanders, marvelling at their resilience and determination.

In attending many Meals on Wheels locations and speaking to some of the thousands of hardworking volunteers, we have witnessed the very best of Queensland: people who make a difference each and every day — who are, quite simply, irreplaceable.

On behalf of the people of Queensland, congratulations on your 70th Anniversary, and thank you for all you do.