History

Celebrating 54 years in 2024!
Holbrook Meals on Wheels was established in 1970 following a public meeting. Interest from the community, local GP Dr. Shortland and the Holbrook Apex Club saw Holbrook Meals on Wheels service established and the first board elected on Monday 16th November 1970.
Since that time, Holbrook Meals on Wheels service has expanded to provide a delivered meals service to Culcairn, Walla Walla and surrounding rural areas, as well as Social Support, Transport, Domestic Assistance and Personal Care services across the Greater Hume.

Meals on Wheels originated in Britain during the Second World War assisting frail older people who needed help to stay in their own homes.

In Australia, Meals on Wheels commenced in 1952 in South Melbourne with a lady on a tricycle delivering meals. Following this, the Red Cross commenced delivering meals to those in need.

In March 1957 Sydney City Council started Meals on Wheels in NSW. In the first week 150 meals were cooked in the Town Hall for inner city dwellers. The cost of the meal then was two shillings, which is approximately 20 cents today.

From its inception over 60 years ago, Meals on Wheels has grown to become a driving force of care in the community. In the course of a year, more than 78,700 volunteers deliver over 14.8 million meals to about 53,000 recipients Australia wide in cities, regional and rural areas. Of these, 35,000 volunteers in NSW deliver about 4.5 million meals each year.