About Us
Happily serving our community since 1963!
Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels supports people who wish to remain living in their own homes. Frail aged, younger people with disabilities and carers may be able to receive this service.
About Wagga Meals on Wheels
Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels has been serving the community of Wagga Wagga for over 50 years.
The service began in January 1963 and at first served just 7 clients. As more people came to recognise the service as a means of being able to stay in their own homes numbers grew and the first year 2949 meals were served.
In 1964 4,000 meals were served and 1965 6,000.
Today we deliver over 31,000 meals to people all over Wagga who prefer to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes.
Our Vision and Our Mission
The purpose of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels Inc is to maintain people who are frail aged and are at risk of premature or inappropriate institutionalisation in their own homes.
Our Philosophy
Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels believes in:
- the right of people to make choices in their own lives;
- the right of people to dignity, respect, privacy and confidentiality;
- the right of people to be valued as individuals;
- the right of people to access services on a non-discriminatory basis;
- the right of the community to accountable and responsive services.
Our Vision
The outcomes pursued by Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels Inc are:
- that people who are frail aged can remain living in their own home;
- that family or other primary caregivers are supported in their role;
- that Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels Inc operates in an effective, efficient and accountable manner.
Applications for membership
Interested members of the community are encouraged to apply for membership. Members are able to vote at our Annual General Meeting and are eligible to nominate for a position on the Management Committee.
Any person wishing to become a member of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels Inc completes an Application for Membership form. These are available from the Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels Inc office or can be downloaded from the link below.
This application form requires the applicant to agree to abide by the Wagga Wagga Meals On Wheels code of conduct for members.
Membership fees
There is a small joining fee of $1 and an annual fee of $2 for continuing membership which is due 1 July each year.
Meet Our Team
We are a community-based, not-for-profit organisation. We are governed by a Management Committee (volunteers from the community with various skills and expertise) and operated by a team of qualified staff and volunteers.
The Management Committee provides governance and strategic oversight. They make sure we meet all legal, financial, and service obligations. The committee members are elected annually and include roles like President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary and members. (The roles and responsibilities of the committee are outlined in our organisation’s Constitution and governance policies.)
Volunteer Management Committee
| President | Ruth Bailey |
|---|---|
| Vice President | Maree Bernoth |
| Treasurer | David Pyke |
| Secretary | Anne Lowe |
| Committee | Vicki Woodhouse, Victoria Lowe, Bill Parker |
Day-to-day operations are carried out by our staff, led by the Manager. Our staff handle tasks such as meal packing, scheduling, volunteer coordination, client assessments, and administration. They are dedicated professionals committed to our mission.
The Roles of Staff
Manager
Toni Atkin
Toni is responsible for the overall day to day operation of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels. Toni assists the Committee and the Treasurer in the financial management and administration of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels.
Finance Officer
Christine Brewer
Christine assists the Committee and the Treasurer in the financial management of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels.
Client Engagement Officer
Chantelle Bruce
Chantelle is responsible for providing high quality assistance to our clients and volunteers with a focus on person centred support.
Administration Support Officer
Deirdre Barry
Deirdre provides essential front-line support to ensure the smooth day to day operations of Wagga Wagga Meals on Wheels.
Dispatch Officer
Terry Hunt
Terry is responsible for the dispatch and delivery of meals, ensuring timely and accurate service to our clients.
Volunteers
Volunteers (who make up the majority of our workforce) work alongside our staff to deliver meals and help in the office to support our clients through friendly visits.
All staff and volunteers who have contact with clients are required to undergo aged care worker screening and training before working with us. The screening is designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people we serve. We also provide regular training to our team on topics like food safety, first aid, privacy, and elder abuse awareness, so you can trust that the people supporting you are qualified, vetted, and knowledgeable.
Our Management Committee, staff, and volunteers are all here for the same purpose: to ensure you receive quality meals and caring support. If you ever have concerns about any personnel or the way the service is managed, we encourage you to let us know, so that we may address the problem as soon as possible. We believe in transparency and accountability at all levels of our organisation.
