History

In December 1969 a committee was formed to evaluate the possibility of a home delivered meal service in Bega. This was a small group of visionary community members who believed that there was a need for home delivered meals for people who were unable to cook for themselves. The first deliveries started in February 1970. 

Over time there were eight meal services established in Merimbula, Tathra, Pambula, Eden, Bermagui, Candelo and Bemboka.  Each of these services was independent, and was entirely managed and run by volunteers.  

Funding became available in 1993 through the Home and Community Care Program (HACC), funded by the State and Federal Governments. HACC funding was used to provide service to people who are frail aged and younger people with disability and their carers. The aim was to help people maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes for as long as possible. 

In May 1993 a cooperative was formed by the amalgamation of the Bega, Candelo, Bermagui and Tathra services. By 2001 the Bemboka, Pambula, Merimbula and Eden services had also joined. Growth funding in 2001 allowed us to expand our services to include social support, respite care, social support and the Veterans’ Community Support Service.  

The Co-operative remains community based organisation managed by a voluntary Board of Directors who are representatives of the Meals on Wheels service areas.   We now have offices, kitchen and distribution point in Bega that provides meals to the entire Bega Valley Shire.

In 2011 we opened the Toussaint Centre which houses the kitchen, cafe and community rooms. Funding transferred to the Commonwealth in 2017 becoming the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) began along with My Aged Care (MAC). 

Bega Valley Meals on Wheels now employs eight staff but all our direct service delivery remains in the hands of our 200+ dedicated and valued volunteers. The generosity of their time and knowledge allows Bega Valley Meals on Wheels to flourish.  

About Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is the heart of the Bega Valley community. Meals on Wheels represents more than just a meal – it’s about helping people, service with a heart and communities coming together to support each other. It’s about trust, respect and dignity.

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