Community News

Meals on wheels driven by community spirit

Emma Pritchard

There is nothing better or more enjoyable than sitting down to a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home.

And thanks to the generosity and compassion of the hard-working employees and volunteers at Grafton District Meals on Wheels, many Clarence Valley residents are still able to enjoy this special pleasure.

Since 1965, the not-for-profit organisation has been preparing, cooking and delivering meals to locals in Grafton and South Grafton, Lawrence, Tucabia, Braunstone, Coutts Crossing, Wooli and Clarenza.  

It is a valuable community service, and the only one which cooks and delivers meals on the same day.

General Manager of Grafton District Meals on Wheels, Stephen Avery, said the local service has an important role to play within the community, and the welcome addition of a new vehicle, a Mazda CX 30 recently purchased through Grafton Mazda, will help ensure more meals are delivered to more residents throughout the region.

“We’re not restricted to providing services for people over the age of 65,” Mr Avery revealed, adding the service is available to anyone in the community in need.

“If someone has just come out of hospital, if a person is recovering from an injury or is restricted in their movements and they would like a home cooked meal delivered to them, or if a person just wants a quick and easy meal, we’re happy to offer that service,” he said.

“It’s all about providing to our locals.”

Mr Avery said while hot meals are delivered to residents in Grafton and South Grafton, residents in nearby surrounding communities receive freshly made, frozen meals to comply with food safety protocols and policies.

“Everything we deliver is made on the same day to ensure freshness and quality,” he said,

“Gluten free options are also available.”

Some of the delicious meals on the menu include roast chicken, roast pork, cottage pie and chicken rissoles.

Hot meals delivered within Grafton and South Grafton cost $6 while freshly made and frozen meals cost $6.50.

Desserts cost $2.50.

With no lock in contracts or waiting lists, contact Grafton District Meals on Wheels on 6642 3879 by 9am to receive your order on the same day.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the local organisation is also encouraged to call.

Currently, there are close to 100 community members who volunteer at Grafton District Meals on Wheels.

“Volunteering with us doesn’t have to be a regular thing and we have people who volunteer once a week and others who volunteer once a month,” Mr Avery said.

“It’s all about giving back to the local community.”