Meals on Wheels recognises volunteers' years of service
More than 25 volunteers have been recognised for their outstanding dedication to the Murray Bridge branch at its 2025 AGM.
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Each year the volunteers at the Meals on Wheels Murray Bridge branch come together to celebrate and acknowledge the years of service given by its volunteers.
On Monday, the committee again reflected on the massive year they had had, including the deliverance of their one millionth meal, 55th birthday and Christmas dinner.
The meals on wheels crew in Murray Bridge drives up to 170 kilometres a day and serves around 60 regular recipients.
In the past year they delivered 10,507 hot meals and 595 frozen meals.
A total of 29 volunteers were recognised on the day, with 14 present on the day.
Necia Schapel was recognised for her work as a member of the committee for more than 12 years and volunteer since 2004; she is now going into retirement.
The organisation currently has 100 volunteers in Murray Bridge, which is down by 10 compared to last year, mainly due to health reasons.
Meals on Wheels SA support officer Jason Webb wished the community and service a great year ahead.
"If you do know friends, family, or neighbours get them to come on board and help out ... that would be great," he said.
A new strategic plan for the organisation was currently in the final stages of development, he said.
"The overall goal is to make it easy for more people to eat well and remain engaged in the community of their choice," he said.
Another volunteer who celebrated a massive milestone was Pauline Thiele, a past member who unfortunately passed away in early July.
She was hospitalised after being diagnosed with cancer; thankfully Maureen Klau was able to gift her the award before the AGM.
"She was a lovely lady and this is such a great achievement," Ms Klau said.
"Even when she wasn't feeling well she still wanted to keep going and help wherever she could in the community."
Elaine Atkins, Vicki Courtney, Gay Hall and Helen Bott celebrate 30 years of volunteering; Aileen and Jeff Martin and Shirley Schubert celebrate 25 years and Kym Gertig, Robyn Grigulis, Ian Rowley and Bob Whisson celebrate 15 years of volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Photo: Liana Webster.
Service awards 2025
- Appreciation of service: Necia Schapel
- One year: Di Bolt, Julie Davies, Lou Fairbarn, Patricia Henson, Valerie Leckie, Ann Mickan, Lynne Noll, Mick Redden and Lionel Wilkin
- Five years: Lucy Marsh, Margaret Palmer, Lyn Reilly, Deborah Siviour and Lorraine Vickers
- 10 years: Lois Gravestocks and Christopher Law
- 15 years: Kym Gertig, Robyn Grigulis, Ian Rowley and Bob Whisson
- 25 years: Aileen and Jeff Martin and Shirley Schubert
- 30 years: Elaine Atkins, Helen Bott, Vicki Courtney and Gay Hall
