Armidale Uralla Meals On Wheels

The Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels (AUMOW) service was established 1966. It was previously located at the Armidale Hospital, from which meals were integrated back into the community for many years. Click on the article at right to read the full version in the Armidale Express. Since then the organisation has grown substantially and relocated to the Armidale Showgrounds in 2014 where a production kitchen was established. The organisation is overseen by a Management Committee, comprised of up to 12 members of the community. A number of permanent and casual staff are employed with Armidale/Uralla Meals on Wheels, including the Manager, Administrative Support Officers and the Kitchen Team. The organisation also employs over 200 volunteers who play a vital role in the meal delivery. We provide 'More Than Just a Meal'.

Meals on Wheels itself originated in Britain during the Second World War. Its vision was to assist frail older people who wanted to stay in their own homes, but who needed help to do so. In Australia, Meals on Wheels began in 1952 in South Melbourne. A lady on a tricycle delivered the meals, but when it became too much for her, the Red Cross took over. In March 1957, Sydney City Council introduced Meals on Wheels in NSW. In the first week, 150 meals were cooked in the Town Hall for inner city dwellers. The cost of the meal was two shillings, which is approximately 20 cents today. Read more...