Our People
31 August, 2026
Delivering more than a meal
EVERY week, Beaufort and Skipton Health Service prepares and delivers meals to residents through its Meals on Wheels service, providing nutritious food alongside an important daily connection. Last Wednesday was National Meals on Wheels Day – an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable group of people who deliver meals to elderly residents in communities across Australia.
Beaufort and Skipton Health Service has provided Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years, helping eligible community members to live independently in their own homes.
The service currently supports 40 clients, delivering more than 300 meals each month across Beaufort, Skipton and surrounding communities.
Beaufort residents Brian Carlson and Marina Lunson have been using the service for the past 12 months and said the meals offered good variety and quality.
“It's brilliant, it's really good quality and a good variety every week, and the portions are good,” Brian said.
But for Brian and Marina, it's more than just food delivery, it's about having someone check in and have a chat.
“The volunteers are beautiful people. It's pleasant to meet somebody every day at your door and have a quick chat,” said Brian.
Marina said the service also offered plenty of flexibility, which the pair appreciate, being able to mix things up on occasions.
“You can have soup, you can have dessert, and at Christmas, you wouldn't believe, they send a Christmas meal.”
The service is supported by 15 volunteers who deliver meals every week while providing an important social connection for clients.
Peter Bagg has volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels for the past four months and said he wanted to find a way to contribute directly to the community.
“The aim is always to get involved in the community. I did Meals on Wheels back in the 80s. So I'm into community, there is a few of us that do it.”
Peter, who also previously served as President of the Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust, said it came down to giving back to the community you live in.
“I'm not big on committees, I've been there, done that, so this was a way of reaching out and being able to help one-on-one. I love people, so that was my way of being able to help.”
Peter said the response from clients made the volunteering particularly rewarding.
“They are so gracious, everyone is genuinely really cheery. Happy to see your face. You just see the gratitude. I think any service that knocks on a door to say hello is a beautiful service.”
Beaufort and Skipton Health Service CEO Meryn Pease said the service provided benefits well beyond the meals themselves.
“Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to people throughout our local area, but the true value of the service goes beyond food. It offers reassurance, regular social contact and support for people to continue living independently in their own homes. We are proud to provide this service and grateful to the volunteers who make it possible.”
The health service is currently seeking additional Meals on Wheels volunteers across Beaufort and Skipton, with the need particularly significant in Skipton.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Erin on 5349 1605 or email volunteer.liaison@bshs.org.au.
Additionally, anyone looking to access the Meals on Wheels service can be referred through My Aged Care, health professionals, family members or by contacting Beaufort and Skipton Health Service directly.
The Advocate was also keen to report on the volunteers delivering meals on wheels to the Avoca community but didn’t receive a response from Maryborough District Health Service.
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