Council calls for community helpers
A shortage of volunteers for a meal delivery service for Ararat’s most vulnerable residents has prompted leaders to call for community help.
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said more volunteers were needed for the council’s Meals on Wheels program.
He said COVID-19 had affected volunteer numbers.
“Regardless of the need, we’re thankful to our volunteers from council and the wider community who continue to show up and deliver life-changing support,” he said.
“Council runs three rounds of deliveries a day. On average a service round might take an hour or so to complete.
“Though it might seem small, these acts of service make a big difference to vulnerable members within the community.”
Dr Harrison said volunteers delivered more than 120 meals weekly in the region.
“Meals on Wheels is one way of helping those most vulnerable in our community – we’d love to see community groups, schools and younger people rise to the challenge where possible,” he said.
Moyston resident Peter Horvath’s volunteer journey started 10 years ago after hearing about the program during an Australia Day event speech.
“‘Anything simple is better than doing nothing at all’ – this statement from the speech resonated with me straight away and Meals on Wheels is an easy way to do that,” he said.
“I started with one day a week while working, up to three days a week when I retired and now, I help on Wednesdays and Fridays.”
Mr Horvath said everyone should give it a go because it was a chance to give back to the community.
“Each round on average has about eight to 10 deliveries. A typical meal consists of soup, a main, dessert and fruit juice that gets delivered five days a week, with some residents receiving additional cold meals for the weekend,” he said
“Even if you live out of town, it doesn’t take much out of your day and anything that you do for others makes you feel good.”
People can visit website www.ararat.vic.gov.au/council/careers/volunteering or email Hr@ararat.vic.gov. au to find out more about the Meals on Wheels program.