Head along today to the official opening of the new Meals On Wheels location at the corner of Forbes Road and Callaghan Street.
This week saw a big week of celebrations for the Parkes Meals On Wheels (MOW) branch with National Meals On Wheels Day on Wednesday and their 60th anniversary celebrations being held today, Friday 1st September.
Chair of Meals on Wheels Australia, Paul Sadler says the 70-year milestone is something to be truly proud of, as well as the many ways that Meals on Wheels supports communities, far beyond delivering food.
“One thing that has remained clear over Meals on Wheels’ 70 years is that the service we provide with the support of committed volunteers, is vital,” said Paul.
The Parkes Meals On Wheels branch has been operational since 6th January 1963 and they currently service 120 clients. In order to service those clients, MOW have around 180 volunteers covering the Parkes Shire including Parkes Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.
The lease on their previous location was coming to an end, and they wanted to be able to be more self-substantial and return to the grassroots of cooking nutritional meals for their clients, delivered hot and fresh daily.
The new MOW premises, located at the corner of Forbes Road and Callaghan Street will allow for the reintroduction of a production kitchen for the fist time in over 30 years.
A MOW spokesperson said, “The open day is a chance to celebrate our 60th birthday. It is a great leap forward to deliver to the people of Parkes hot nutritional meals every day as well as a welfare check. We are more than just a meal.”
The Meals On Wheels open day will kick off at 12pm with The Mayor, councilors, Phil Donato MP and MOW volunteers in attendance. Phil Donato will also hand out certificates to some of the long serving volunteers. A BBQ and cake will be provided.