The first Australian Meals on Wheels service began in 1953 when Mrs E. Watts pedalled a tricycle around South Melbourne. Some 13 years later Bundaberg & District Meals on Wheels started a proud legacy spanning over six decades.
Founded in 1966 by a small group of passionate community members, the service began with just a handful of volunteers preparing and delivering meals from a local church kitchen. The mission was simple but powerful: to support older residents, people with disabilities, and others in need by providing nutritious meals and a friendly face at the door.
In July 1966, Mr John Crossley was elected President of the Bundaberg Lions Club, and that night received a cheque for $400 from the Ladies Auxiliary. That cheque came with a request to create a project called Meals on Wheels. Mrs Stopford and Mrs Johnston had visited Toowoomba and had seen Meals on Wheels in action.
The first meals were delivered on the 17th of October after being cooked in the kitchen at the Methodist Church. Meals were delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week at a cost of 40 cents each. 11 meals were delivered on the very first day, but that number quickly escalated. In the year from July 1967 till June 1968 a total of 6300 meals were delivered.
Over the years, the organisation has grown significantly in response to increasing demand and demographic change. In the 1990s, Bundaberg Meals on Wheels relocated to a more permanent premise at 10 Eastgate Street, Bundaberg East, which has served as the operational base for our services ever since. From this location, we now deliver more than 100,000 meals annually across the region.
The service has evolved to include fresh and frozen meals, wellness checks, and support for clients receiving services through My Aged Care, NDIS, and private arrangements.
Our reputation for care, compassion, and reliability is deeply embedded in the Bundaberg community. Today, with a team of over 100 volunteers and a small but dedicated team of staff, Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels continues to play a vital role in keeping people healthy, independent, and connected to their community.
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Our Vision
A community where every person has access to nutritious meals, social connection, and the support they need to live independently with dignity.
Our Purpose
To improve the health, wellbeing, and independence of our community’s most vulnerable by providing essential nutrition and meaningful human connection, supported by volunteers and a spirit of service.
Our Board
Bundaberg & District Meals on Wheels is a locally governed, not-for-profit community organisation overseen by an independent volunteer management committee. The committee is responsible for ensuring the organisation operates with transparency, accountability, and in line with its constitution, charitable purpose, and obligations under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
Business Plan
Explore our vision for the future, including key goals and strategies that guide our mission and ensure sustainable success.
Our Patrons
At Bundaberg & District Meals on Wheels, our Patrons play a vital role in helping us nourish and support our local community. Through generous donations, in-kind contributions, advocacy, and hands-on involvement, our Patrons enable us to deliver thousands of meals each month, provide essential social connection, and ensure vulnerable residents can continue living independently in their own homes. Their ongoing commitment strengthens our service, supports our volunteers, and helps create a more caring and connected Bundaberg.
Volunteering
Whether as an individual or part of a team, your time can help build stronger communities. Lend a hand and make a lasting impact by supporting the well-being of your local neighbours.
Partner with Us
Partner with us to create meaningful connections and deliver lasting impact. Together, we can strengthen communities, support those in need, and make every day brighter for someone.
Thank you to our partners
Our community and corporate partners help fuel our mission to support hundreds of clients every day.
