FAQs

Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels provides nutritional support to a broad section of the community, including the elderly, people living with a disability, and others who are vulnerable, such as those recovering from illness, hospital stays, or procedures. Our service is available to everyone on a fee-for-service basis, with the option for subsidized meals for those who meet the eligibility requirements for funding programs.

As a not-for-profit organiszation, our mission is to deliver high-quality, affordable meals and compassionate social contact to older people, those with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness, enabling them to remain safe, healthy, and connected in their own homes.

You can either refer yourself or have a family member, caregiver, or healthcare professional make a referral for you. Complete the online referral form, or contact us to get started.

No, Meals on Wheels typically has no waiting lists, and services can often begin within a few days after the referral has been received.

Meals on Wheels clients pay a fee for each meal delivered to their door. We work hard to keep meals affordable, especially since many of our recipients are on a pension.

Our ability to keep costs down is thanks to a combination of volunteers, government assistance, client contributions, and the incredible support from the community.

For information about the cost of meals in your area and to arrange meal delivery, contact us on 07 4151 5825, and we’ll be happy to help.

Proper food storage is crucial for food safety, enjoyment, and nutrition. Incorrect storage can lead to food poisoning, which happens when harmful bacteria grow in food. These bacteria may not always be visible, and the food might not smell or taste spoiled, but it can still make you sick. Here’s how to store your Meals on Wheels meal correctly:

• Chilled Meals:
  Store chilled meals in the refrigerator immediately upon delivery. Do not leave them out at room temperature. When reheating, follow the instructions provided by your Meals on Wheels service. If you do not eat the entire meal, discard the leftovers. Always consume the meal before the ‘Use by Date’.
• Hot Meals:
  Hot meals should be eaten immediately. If you are unable to eat the meal right away, discard any leftovers to avoid food safety risks.
• Frozen Meals:
  Store frozen meals in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them. Reheat according to the instructions, ensuring they are heated all the way through. Never refreeze a meal once it has been thawed.

If you’re not going to be home when your meal is delivered, it’s important to inform us the day before, so we can make alternative arrangements.

Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels offers a variety of nutritious, dietitian-approved meals. We cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and soft-texture meals. Let us know about any specific dietary requirements when making your referral.

Meal delivery is available Monday to Friday in most areas however you can choose your preferred frequency.

In addition to delivering nutritious meals, Meals on Wheels provides welfare checks and a friendly visit to ensure your overall wellbeing. It’s not just about the meal—it’s about staying connected and feeling supported.

For families, Meals on Wheels offers the reassurance that their loved ones are safe, happy, and healthy in the comfort of their own home. Our service helps clients stay independent and remain living at home for as long as possible, offering a sense of security for both clients and their families.

Yes, Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels can arrange deliveries to residents in aged care facilities or hospital patients if they require meal support. You can work with your facility’s care team to organise this service.

Yes, you can adjust your meal preferences or delivery schedule by contacting us on 07 4151 5825. If your needs change, we’ll work with you to accommodate them.

If you no longer require Meals on Wheels, you can contact the service to cancel your deliveries. A simple call or email will suffice.

Yes, you can use your NDIS funding to cover the cost of Meals on Wheels services if you meet the eligibility criteria and the service is part of your NDIS plan. You can check your NDIS plan to see if “meal delivery” is listed under your Daily Living or Nutrition support categories. If you’re unsure, speak to your NDIS planner, coordinator, or local Meals on Wheels service provider to confirm your eligibility.

Pay for your meals: Ensure that you pay the Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels service for the meals delivered to you.

Notify if you’re not home: If you’re not going to be home when your meal is delivered, inform us in advance. If you’re not home when the volunteer arrives, the meal will not be left.

Notify if you’re going to be absent: Let Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels service know if you’ll be absent for a short or extended period.

Inform about dietary needs: Advise the Meals on Wheels service if you have any special dietary needs or requirements.

Store your meal properly: If you don’t eat the meal immediately, store it correctly as per the instructions provided to ensure it remains safe to eat.

• You have a right to express your concerns about the service without fear of losing the service.
• You have a right to have your complaints dealt with fairly and promptly.
• You have a right to be represented by an Advocate of your choice.
• You have a right to be assessed to receive meals without discrimination.
• You have a right to have your specific dietary requirements met where possible.
• You have a right to privacy and confidentiality.
• You can expect that no information about you will be provided to anyone else outside the service without your permission.
• You have a right to view any information about yourself held by the service.
• You have a right to refuse the service without retribution.

Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels encourages all clients, staff, and volunteers to provide both positive and negative feedback to help ensure we are delivering the best possible service. If you are unhappy with the service, please follow these steps:

• First Contact: Reach out to staff to discuss the issue.
• Further Action: If you’re not satisfied with the response from staff, contact the Business Manager.
• Still Unresolved? If you’re still not satisfied, you can contact the following external bodies:

Aged Care Complaint Commissioner
Department of Health and Ageing
GPO Box 9848
Brisbane QLD 4001
Ph: 1800 550 552
Web: www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au

Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA)
121 Copperfield Street
Geebung QLD 4034
Ph: 07 3637 6000 – Brisbane
Ph: 1800 818 338 – Regional Areas
Email: info@adaaustralia.com.au
Web: https://adaaustralia.com.au

Under 65 (or under 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island People) or have a disability, contact the:

Department of Communities, Child Safety & Disability
111 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4001
GPO Box 9848, Brisbane QLD 4001
Ph: 13 74 68
Web: www.communities.qld.gov.au

Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA)
121 Copperfield Street
Geebung QLD 4034
Ph 07 3637 6000 – Brisbane
Ph: 1800 818 38 – Regional Areas
Email: info@adaaustralia.com.au
Web: https://adaaustralia.com.au