At the Warradale branch, you’ll find another group of happy volunteers working together under the guidance of one of our new Branch Coordinators, Angie, who has been in the role for three months. 

Before joining Meals on Wheels, Angie worked at Drakes as a Bakery Assistant Manager — now she’s swapped fresh bread rolls for carefully prepared hot meals for older people in the community. 

“My grandpa used to get Meals on Wheels, so I already had that connection,” Angie shared. “He was coeliac and couldn’t buy meals from the supermarket, so I saw firsthand the positive impact it had on his life.” 

The Warradale team prepares between 100 and 120 meals a day, serving customers across the local area. Their newly refurbished kitchen is spotless, well-organised, and runs like a well-oiled machine. The branch even has a walk-in cool room and freezer — both neat as a pin — and there’s always music playing from a retro stereo that will probably outlast any iPhone by 100 years! 

On this particular Monday, Mirjana (12 years of volunteering) and Shiralee (2 years) were happily serving dessert — a delicious chocolate and prune brownie. For the main course, there was roast beef with all the trimmings or a zucchini slice. (No surprises which one was more popular!) 

Meanwhile, Detlef (1.5 years) and Roger (3 years) were carefully weighing and portioning the beef. During service, Angie jumped in to help on the line, while Roger kept things flowing smoothly by feeding fresh trays to the front. 

Roger shared, “I really enjoy the kitchen work. I’ve built great relationships here, and it’s nice to know we’re all here for the same purpose.” 

Many of the Warradale volunteers work in the kitchen in the morning and then jump in the car to deliver meals at lunchtime — now that’s dedication!