Catherine has been a volunteer at our Moonta branch for three years, delivering meals to around 15 customers on her regular round. For her, volunteering is about more than just meals – it’s about people, community, and the slower pace of country life. 

“There is time for a chat,” she says. “You get to know the people and they get to know us too.” 

Catherine moved from Tasmania three years ago, looking for somewhere quiet that reminded her of home. Before joining Meals on Wheels, she worked as a disability support worker – a role that gave her a deep appreciation for the importance of care, and also a perfect fit for volunteering with us. Not long after her move, she experienced a short illness and received Meals on Wheels as a customer. At the time, she promised herself, “I’m going to do that one day when I’m better.” True to her word, when she was well again, she joined the Moonta branch as a volunteer. 

The Moonta branch is very busy, preparing meals for the three Copper Coast towns – Moonta, Wallaroo and Kadina. Catherine says the Moonta kitchen is always a hive of activity preparing the meals for of the customer in the region. 

Catherine loves the unique connections that come from volunteering in a regional community. She recently delivered to two men who both happened to turn 98 on the very same day – the most surprising part was they didn’t know each other. “I thought that was very special,” she reflects. “A lot of the customers have lived their whole life on the same street, and sometimes the street even carries their last name. You don’t get that in the big cities.” 

“Volunteering means a lot to me – the people I deliver to could be my neighbour or someone on my street. It’s a slower pace here, no pressure apart from getting the meal hot and to the customers safely.” 

She is equally connected to the other volunteers at Moonta, often stepping into different roles and helping on the committee when needed. But like many branches, Moonta faces challenges, particularly in recruiting new volunteers during winter when retirees head north to chase the sun – something Catherine herself has booked in to do next year. 

For Catherine, the highlight of volunteering is the people. “The number one thing is the interactions with the customers. I find country people are more connected,” she says. 

She has also worked to strengthen those connections outside of Meals on Wheels. When she first moved to Moonta, she started a small coffee group. At the time, she simply posted on Facebook that she’d be at a local café if anyone wanted to join. Two people came that first day. Now, Coffee with Friends attracts between 8 and 28 people each fortnight, with lunches every six weeks at different venues. “Some people come and meet someone new and then they go off and start a new friendship – which is what it’s all about,” Catherine said. 

When asked who she’d most like to share a delivery round with, her answer came quickly – her driver partner who sadly passed away suddenly just a month ago. “I’d like just one more time to share a delivery round with him.” 

Country volunteering is filled with these kinds of moments – small, quiet, and deeply meaningful. In places like Moonta, with no buses, no traffic lights, and some dirt roads, Meals on Wheels SA continues to connect neighbours, create friendships, and build stronger communities, one delivery at a time.