Share your experience. Strengthen your community.

Ashgrove Meals on Wheels is a well-established not-for-profit organisation that has proudly served the local community since 1973. Supported by a small team of committed staff and almost 100 volunteers, we provide nutritious, affordable meals that help people remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and skill sets—there truly is something for everyone. Our volunteer community spans generations: some have been with us for over 40 years, our oldest current volunteer is 86, and our youngest is just 15.

Each day, we rely on 14 to 18 volunteers to help us deliver More Than Just a Meal — offering not only nourishment, but connection and care.

By becoming a volunteer, you’ll be contributing to a valued local service in a meaningful way that fits around your time and experience. 

​Our office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, when meals are prepared and delivered to clients of all ages and abilities across Ashgrove and surrounding suburbs.

Whether you can spare a few hours every few months or commit weekly, your contribution will make a genuine difference.

Volunteering Opportunities:

Deliver Meals

- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Friday
- You can deliver with a friend or by yourself 
- Approx. 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 
- You will be briefed on any relevant information before your meal run
- We not only deliver meals, we offer a friendly ear to our clients and assurance to their families 
- Police check, drivers licence and your own vehicle, food handling certificate (takes 10 minutes & is free!) ​​and COVID vaccination required

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Collect Food Donations

- Collect donated fruit, vegetables and bread etc from ​​Foodbank Morningside:
* Monthly
*Approx 6:30 am - 9:00 am 

- Collect food donations from Woolworths Paddington:
* Fortnightly - usually Wednesday
* Approx. 9:30 am - 10:30 am

- You can come with a friend or by yourself 
​- Drivers licence and own vehicle required

Help in the Kitchen

- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Friday
- You can come with a friend or by yourself
- Approx. 6:00 am to 9:00 am
- Help prepare and pack meals, as well as clean
- Police check and food handling certificate ​(takes 10 minutes & is free!), and COVID vaccination required

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Other Ways To Show Your Support ​

f you’re unable to volunteer at this time, you can still make a meaningful difference by donating. 

Financial contributions and donated items help us support our volunteers and clients, and contribute to our fundraising initiatives.
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Some helpful in-kind donations, are Coles/Woolworths and ​local business gift cards/vouchers.

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Join Our Committee:

This is a meaningful opportunity to apply your professional expertise at a strategic level, while remaining hands-on with a valued local service. You will play a vital role in helping us deliver More Than Just a Meal.

If you enjoy contributing your skills, staying intellectually engaged, and making a tangible difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.

Time Commitment:

• Committee meetings: 1–2 hours every third Wednesday of the month (preferably in person)
• Additional involvement may include supporting events or fundraising activities approximately 3–4 times per year, depending on your availability. This could include representing Ashgrove Meals on Wheels at local community events, assisting with sausage sizzles or bake sales, and helping to sell raffle tickets. 
• Annual General Meeting: Third Wednesday in September or October

Meet Our Committee:

Jackie Young

Committee President
​2025 - Current

“Now retired and living locally gave me the opportunity to give back to the community,  in the form of Driver and Committee President at Ashgrove Meals On Wheels. 

As a volunteer you are rewarded by knowing you are valued either by helping in the kitchen, delivering meals to our wonderful clients or part of the committee striving to make improvements where and when needed”.

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Amanda Smith

Committee Member
​2023 - Current

“Meals on Wheels has been part of my life since the 1960s, when I accompanied my mum on her meal runs in Adelaide.

When I retired in 2021, I had the opportunity to volunteer, preparing and delivering meals.
In 2023, I joined the committee, a role that has been incredibly rewarding and has given me real purpose in retirement.  I also continue to deliver meals once a month, which helps me stay connected to the people we serve.”

Harry Harbottle

Committee Treasurer
​2009 - Current

“When I retired, I joined my wife in delivering meals in 2005.   

In 2009, I was invited to become treasurer on the committee, a role I continue to hold.  I enjoy the work involved, and am glad to be able to contribute to the community in this way.”

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Valerie McMillan

Committee Member
​2006 - Current

“I became a volunteer for Meals on Wheels in 2005, delivering meals.

The following year I was invited to join the committee, where one of my main responsibilities was creating the quarterly client newsletter.”

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Helen Burgess

Committee Secretary
​2022  - Current

“Having seen first-hand the wonderful support Meals on Wheels provided to my late father, I wanted to give back to my local community in a meaningful way. 
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I started as a volunteer delivery driver and, after a few years, became Committee Secretary where I use the skills gained throughout my career to work alongside other Committee members to help ensure the organisation prospers and is a sustainable, long-term service for our community”.

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Why volunteer with us?:

- Stay mentally engaged and socially connected
- Build relationships with like-minded people 
- Enjoy flexible volunteering that respects your time and experience
- Make a real, visible difference to the lives of people in your community