Meals on Wheels in Queensland: Delivering ‘more than just a meal’ for 70 years
A simple idea to provide home-cooked meals for older people has grown into a statewide organisation supporting thousands of Queenslanders at a time when its role has never been more important.
A legacy that began in Ipswich
Meals on Wheels in Queensland was established 70 years ago by Rhoda Cameron, the wife of then Commonwealth health minister Donald Cameron. Working from her home in Ipswich, she prepared and delivered meals to neighbours in need, charging two shillings per meal — around 20 cents in today’s terms.
Mrs Cameron was inspired by a similar service she observed in England, which had been created during World War II to support people unable to cook after losing their homes in the Blitz.
With no government support at the time, the Queensland service quickly grew through the efforts of volunteers. Local committees formed across the state, driven by a strong sense of community and a commitment to caring for neighbours.
Rhoda Cameron.
Supporting thousands of Queenslanders today
Today, as Queensland’s population ages and cost-of-living pressures intensify, Meals on Wheels plays a critical role in supporting older and vulnerable Queenslanders.
The statewide network includes 100 member services powered by more than 6,300 volunteers. In the past year alone, volunteers supported 23,500 people, delivering more than three million meals alongside vital frontline wellbeing checks.
“We call it ‘more than just a meal’, which refers to the all-important welfare check that volunteers provide with every delivery,” said Meals on Wheels Queensland CEO Evan Hill.
“If the client is living on their own, it provides peace of mind for family members, knowing that someone is checking in when they can’t be there.”
Adapting to a changing landscape
While the core mission of delivering meals remains the same, the environment in which Meals on Wheels operates has evolved significantly.
As the organisation enters its eighth decade, it is focused on building a sustainable future to meet increasing demand.
“We want to grow our family of sponsors and partners so we can be more financially sustainable and less reliant on government funding,” Mr Hill said.
“Ensuring our services are well-resourced means we can continue to meet the needs of our local communities effectively.”
The power of volunteering and connection
Beyond the essential services provided, Meals on Wheels also offers meaningful social connection — for both clients and volunteers.
“Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and build lasting connections within your local community,” Mr Hill said.
“We are always looking for more friendly faces to join the team and experience that sense of community firsthand.”
Celebrating 70 years
Meals on Wheels Queensland will celebrate its 70-year milestone on 26 August with a gala dinner at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane.
The event will also mark the launch of a commemorative book, 70 Years: Seasoned with Care, which traces the organisation’s journey from its beginnings in an Ipswich backyard to the statewide network it is today.
Members of the public can purchase the book at qmow.org, with all proceeds supporting Meals on Wheels services and programs.
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