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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-05-07 Daily Xml
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Meals On Wheels

Ms COOK (Fisher) (15:35): I rise today to speak on the fantastic work being done by the Happy Valley Meals on Wheels branch in my electorate of Fisher, as well as the work being done across the entire state. Meals on Wheels provides low-cost and nutritious food to those who have difficulties shopping or preparing food for themselves, and it is especially helpful to our older residents. More than just food, the organisation also provides contact and communication for people who may have difficulty finding it—those who live alone, have lost a partner, or those whose family has moved away or is not available. More than just a meal, every day they see a happy face and have a conversation about their day.

The volunteers do amazing work while out in the community. I had the opportunity also to speak to residents and get their outlook on Meals on Wheels. They all said the same thing: it is a fantastic service and it makes them feel safer and cared for as well as valued. Not only are they getting their meals prepared but they also have someone who makes the effort to speak to them. Independence is something that we all value but totally underestimate; it is really disempowering to lose it. The fabulous volunteers do a marvellous job of delivering the service, and the lucky clients who receive it benefit enormously. It actually gives them energy to spend on other daily activities that can be so exhausting, and hence it promotes independence and keeps people in their homes for longer.

Meals on Wheels has been serving our community in South Australia for the last 60 years. Since then, it has grown to become a driving force of care in our community. In the course of one year, Meals on Wheels, incredibly, makes over 14.8 million meals, which are delivered by more than 78,700 volunteers each day to about 53,000 recipients Australiawide in cities and regional and rural areas. I was honoured to have the opportunity to make a number of visits with the Happy Valley Meals on Wheels. I accompanied them, as they made a number of visits to constituents in Woodcroft, Happy Valley and Reynella East. It was really fantastic to visit these community members, but it was also a privilege to spend time with some of my constituents who are doing so much amazing work out of the goodness of their hearts and because of their commitment to the community.

Working in the kitchen, firstly, it was like a well-oiled machine. The Happy Valley group does not prepare meals, but they do heat and distribute them. Some people also have frozen meals delivered once a week, so it is quite complicated. Most people opt for three courses and try to save the soup and sweets for their dinner, which is a bit of a habit across the state. The volunteers then have to check fridges diligently for food that might be stored for too long and also remind their clients that they need to add bread and extra calories if they are splitting their meal, as only enough nourishment for one meal is provided.

Handing out meals, I met a lady whose mental health has been deteriorating lately; it is quite sad. The volunteers have been particularly concerned about her. Following this, we contacted the manager of the village in which she lives, and we have offered some support to ensure more services are put in place and also that a plan for future care is commenced. I also watched as one of the volunteers assisted another client to plan for the care of his ageing cockatoo. It was a big worry for this man who has a terminal condition. The volunteers are full of compassion and go above and beyond.

I recommend that if any members here today have an opportunity to make a visit with their local Meals on Wheels they take that opportunity. It is not only a fantastic chance for members to connect with their constituents but it is also an opportunity for members of parliament to roll up their sleeves and help out some of their constituents in a practical way. It was fantastic to see the work that the Happy Valley Meals on Wheels is doing. I commend them and all the Meals on Wheels branches across South Australia for their hard work and dedication to our fellow South Australians.

Mr GARDNER: Deputy Speaker, I draw your attention to the state of the house.

A quorum having been formed:

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