On Thursday 16th March 2023 the launch of the new name of the local branch of Meals on Wheels as The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels occurred.
The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels is a partnership of three Meals on Wheels branches – Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby and the Northern Beaches. This partnership was formalised in January 2022 when the Northern Beaches operation joined forces with Meals on Wheels Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby.
The need for a new name was recognised. At the same time, it was considered a great opportunity to refresh with a name that better represents the local nature of the business and the community connections it promotes.
The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels provides meal delivery services to most parts of Northern Sydney.
The launch was held at St Ives Community Centre and attended by nearly 100 guests including the mayors of Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby Councils (Cr Jeff Pettett and Hon Philip Ruddock AO respectively) and the deputy Mayor of Northern Beaches Council (Cr Sue Heins). Each spoke about the tremendous role the service plays in the community.
At a speech to celebrate the occasion, the General Manager of The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels, Alex Kane, spoke about what differentiates them from other meal delivery businesses.
Alex Kane, GM at The Village Chef
An army of wonderful, dedicated volunteers that deliver more than just a meal. Our volunteers take the time to check-in on, care for, and chat to our customers, sometimes even helping with small errands such as collecting the mail.
This personal touch to both our meals and our delivery service, provides a sense of reliability, companionship and connection deeply valued by our customers.
We also have our very own Village Chef, Tony Lyons. Tony has prepared meals, for Meals on Wheels, for over 20 years in our restaurant-quality commercial kitchen in Turramurra.
Tony’s team takes the time to prepare meals in line with each of our clients’ needs. Because we genuinely care about all our clients, and because we’re small enough to communicate our clients’ needs, we get to know clients almost like they’re part of our family.
We also offer fresh meals every day. And, to make this even better, we are moving to offering two fresh meals each day. This will offer our clients greater choice and control.
And, for our more vulnerable clients, we can also heat up meals.
The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels is now looking to support even more people in the community. If you know an older person that is struggling with nutrition and/or loneliness, tell them about The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels.
They can be contacted in any of the following ways:
T: 1300 361 287
Background
Ku-ring-gai Meals on Wheels was founded in 1961 by Estelle Wren Cooper OAM as an extension of the concept that originated in Britain during World wear Two. Estelle was a social worker employed by Ku-ring-gai Council, with the support of the Ku-ring-gai Old Peoples Welfare Association (KOPWA). Rising demand saw the Commonwealth Government fund a new production kitchen in 1969. In 1995 Ku-ring-gai Meals on Wheels moved out from under the auspices of Ku-ring-gai Council and KOPWA to establish a not-for-profit independent organisation.
In 2011, Ku-ring-gai Meals joined forces with Hornsby Meals on Wheels. And in 2022 Meals on Wheels Northern Beaches joined the partnership forming the organisation that serves the local community today.
The aim is to provide nutritious meals and regular home visits that enabled frail aged residents and people with disability to retain a level of independence.
The service has grown over the years and now serves over 7,000 meals per month in the Northern Sydney region. The service is supported by a team of full and part-time staff, including a qualified chef, kitchen staff, centre management, administration support and a band of valued volunteers.
Tony Lyons
Hon Philip Ruddock AO, current Mayor of Hornsby Shire, attended the launch