We know our volunteers are pillars in their community, generously giving their service and support to better the lives of those around them. This year, several Meals on Wheels volunteers were acknowledged in their local community Australia Day Awards.
Photo credit: Mitchell Paterson
Julie Low, Order of Australia Medal, Port Lincoln
Newly crowned Order of Australia medal (OAM) recipient, Julie started volunteering at the Port Lincoln branch in 2015, as a natural extension of her volunteering commitments to her community. Previously she was Chair and Treasurer of the Branch and used to serve on the Meals on Wheels SA Board but is now a driver/deliverer.
“I’ve volunteered for most of my life and just naturally started at Meals on Wheels.”
The former Lower Eyre Council Mayor, volunteered for Local Government for 20-odd years, taking on various roles to support her local community.
She says being awarded an OAM was unexpected.
“It is lovely but it also acknowledges the important role volunteers play in our community. We have to treasure and value them. There are lots of people out there doing lots of things for their community, quietly. If they stopped doing that we wouldn’t have a lot of things happening that we do.”
A true community crusader, Julie has also served on local and state Councils, and committees such as the Walking Trail and Save The Jetty Committees.
Image credit: Barossa Council
Debbie Miles, Barossa Council’s Citizen of The Year 2024
Debbie Miles has volunteered as a Branch Secretary/Treasurer, Frozen Meal Coordinator and Deliverer at the Barossa branch for 10 years. Her mum volunteered for 35 years and on the times she found herself assisting her she said she enjoyed the interactions with customers. When she saw an article in the local paper seeking committee members, she contacted the branch President and joined. And they say the rest is history!
Debbie was nominated and won the Barossa Council’s Citizen of The Year award, something she was not expecting.
“I am very humbled and honoured to receive this special award and the acknowledgment for my volunteering in the community. I’m happier to be behind the scenes in my roles,” she says.
“I’ve always enjoyed volunteering and meeting such diverse people in the community knowing that I am helping in some way and also the network of people I have met over the years.”
She is also involved in several organisations; Barossa Light & Gawler Netball Association (secretary), Tanunda Show (secretary/ treasurer) and Central Districts Shows Association (treasurer).
Sandra Walding, 2024 Rural City of Murray Bridge Citizen of The Year
Sandra Walding, the Client Services Officer and Treasurer at the Murray Bridge branch has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for 37 years. It was her late husband who inspired her to volunteer – she decided to join the ranks after his passing and when her youngest child started school.
She says being awarded the Rural City of Murray Bridge’s Citizen of The Year Award for 2024 recently was unexpected.
“I feel very privileged to win this award because I’m just doing the job that I love and I really love helping the recipients.”
“I am especially proud to have represented Meals on Wheels in Murray Bridge in many positions and deliveries for the past 37 years and holding life memberships with the Jervois Ladies Dart Club, Murray Bridge Bowling Club and Rambler Football Club.”
Sandra says through all her volunteering commitments the best thing is helping the community and putting a smile on people’s faces.
“I like volunteering because I am helping out the community and recipients and it makes me feel happy that I am doing something for the community.”
Sandra also volunteers for the Jervois Ladies Club, Murray Bridge Bowling Club, Darts Club and Rambler Football Club.
