Community & Business
19 May, 2026
Meals on Wheels milestone
Recently, over 60 past and present volunteers of Meals on Wheels (MOW) gathered at the Pittsworth Function Centre to celebrate 50 years of the community organisation.
While many MOW locations have ceased operating over time, Pittsworth remains a strong and enduring presence, continuing to deliver a much-needed service to our community.
President of the Pittsworth MOW committee, Lyn Wagland, said every volunteer played a role in the organisation’s half-century achievement.
“You could be forgiven for wondering where all these people fit into the story of Pittsworth Meals on Wheels, when in truth they are the story,” Ms Wagland said.
“Every volunteer, every client, every supporter, along with committee members, past and present, who have genuinely over-seen the operation and guided us through the many legislative changes that have continually challenged us, and the dedicated staff from the days when we proudly operated our kitchen, have all played a part in shaping who we are today.”
A buffet lunch of roast meats and vegetables was donated by Shane and Tracy Smith from IGA Pittsworth, courtesy of the IGA Community Chest initiative.
Every year the fund donates between $4,000 and $5,000 to schools, sporting clubs and other organisations.
Mr Smith said they love to do things for the community, and he could recognise the value of MOW in Pittsworth.
“It’s really important the service that everyone in this room provides,” he said.
In the last 12 years, IGA has generously invested over $85,000 back into the Pittsworth community.
The honour of cutting the anniversary cake, which was made by Kerry McIntyre, went to Jo Saal and Ann Stallman, who between them have spent nearly 80 years volunteering with MOW.
Mrs Saal first started delivering meals with committee member Marie Mahoney 38 years ago.
Every volunteer has a unique story about their contribution to Pittsworth MOW over the last 50 years.
Ros Von Hoff has delivered meals since 2002 and served as treasurer on the committee for 17 years.
Janice Reed spent close to 20 years as the MOW’s chef, preparing meals in the old Senior Citizens’ kitchen.
Many remembered carting around the metal canisters that were used to keep meals warm before disposables became the order of the day.
The very first meals were delivered in Pittsworth in March 1976.
The Sentinel reported the estimated cost for the three course meal as 75 cents.
In the month of August (1976), the committee recorded 311 meals as delivered.
In 2025, Queensland Meals on Wheels recorded 3,500 meals delivered into the Pittsworth community for the year.
Ms Wagland said they were especially proud to still have the very dear Bill Keeley involved, now as a guest (client), who was active in the original set-up of the organisation.
Unfortunately, he was unable to be present on the day but there were still many amusing stories told about Mr Keeley, who is apparently quite notorious for being “missing” when volunteers deliver food.
On one occasion when Mr Keeley was unaccounted for, MOW members peered through windows and into his back garden to try and ascertain his whereabouts.
Just as concern peaked, he appeared out of nowhere on his scooter, having been out for coffee and simply lost track of time.
There was a number of distinguished guests present on the day including Toowoomba Region Councillors Carol Taylor and Trevor Manteufel, Queensland MOW representatives Kath Neilsen and Jasmine Johansen, Beauaraba Living CEO Bradley Jones and Beauaraba Living Board Chair Wayne Saal.
Ms Neilsen, who is the Meals on Wheels Queensland Senior Area Manager, congratulated the committee on its achievement.
“Pittsworth Meals on Wheels celebrating 50 years of community care is a truly special milestone, reflecting half a century of compassion, connection and looking out for one another in the local community,” Ms Neilsen said.
“It is achievements like these that show the heart of what community service is all about.
“As we also mark 70 years of Meals on Wheels operating across Queensland in 2026, we’re proud to honour the dedicated volunteers and communities who continue to support older Queenslanders every day.”
Member for Condamine, Pat Weir, sent an apology for his absence but his office provided the following statement:- “He thanks the Pittsworth Meals on Wheels and members for your kindness, generosity and meaningful contributions over the years. Your dedication truly makes a difference.”
A slideshow of photographs spanning the 50 years stirred fond memories among those present along with entertaining commentary from the master of ceremonies, Kerry McIntyre.
The biggest challenge facing the organisation today is adhering to the strict legislative policies centred on nutritional standards, food safety and aged care compliance.
Mrs McIntyre said MOW President (Ms Wagland) and Secretary (Belinda McKinlay) do an exceptional job in keeping the organisation compliant.
In concluding her speech, Ms Wagland said, “Each contribution, each act of kindness, and each year of service has helped build not just an organisation, but a strong and very proud community organisation that continues to support one another.”
Since 2011, the meals have been prepared by Cater Care at Beauaraba Living.
