Coulton’s Catch-up 12th September
12-September-2011
There are few organisations that embody the true spirit of volunteering as completely as Meals on Wheels. Each day throughout the Parkes electorate there are scores of dedicated volunteers delivering warm and nutritious meals to those in our local communities who are frail aged, disabled or who may need the service to maintain their independence.
National Meals on Wheels Day was held at the end of August. The day recognised the essential work of the Meals on Wheels organisations throughout Australia. There are over 78 000 volunteers and workers at over 740 branches across Australia who every year selflessly dedicate their time and effort to ensure that close to 15 million meals are delivered to our aged residents and people with disabilities.
The volunteers selflessly dedicate their time to ensure that a warm meal and friendly smile are given to those who need it most. Not only does the service help clients easily meet their nutritional needs, Meals on Wheels provides regular social contact and community involvement to clients and volunteers alike. Meals on Wheels volunteers are also often the only daily point of contact for many recipients and can help decrease their social isolation and assist in monitoring their health and well being.
Since its inception over 55 years ago, the service has grown to become one of Australia’s most vital volunteer institutions delivering upwards of 50,000 meals a day to frail aged and disabled residents throughout the country. The seemingly simple act of providing a warm and enjoyable meal provides a wealth of independence for many people and enables them to live in their own homes for longer.
Meals on Wheels epitomises the very essence of what makes a local community and I am extremely honoured to be able to acknowledge the organisation. Without the countless hours that are sacrificed by these volunteers, Meals on Wheels in the Parkes electorate would cease to exist and the lives of hundreds of our elderly, ill, disabled and isolated residents would be severely affected. They are wonderful people providing a wonderful service and I am honoured to be able to officially recognise them for the work they do.
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On the 17th of September, Condobolin will be everything Scottish as the Condobolin RSL Pipe Band Tattoo hits the town. The Tattoo is a triennial event with the inaugural Condobolin Tattoo held in 2008 attracting over 1000 spectators.
The 2011 Tattoo line up features The Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums, Dubbo and District Pipe Band, Dubbo District Concert Band, Yanco Agricultural High School Drum Corps, Condobolin RSL Pipe Band, 6th Light Horse Trundle Troop, Joy Reiher School of Scottish Dancing from Canberra, Condobolin Googar Dancers and Condobolin Physical Culture Club
The Tattoo will begin at 5pm with a street parade. At 7pm the Tattoo performances will begin in the Condobolin RSL Club. Sounds like this year will also be a success and I wish to organisers the best of luck for this weekend.