If you find yourself at the Edwardstown Meals on Wheels kitchen on a Wednesday morning, you’ll likely hear laughter from the sink, and a familiar face cracking jokes - that’s Stuart.

Stuart, who is 53 and lives with Down syndrome, has been volunteering at Meals on Wheels for the past three years. From sealing meals with precision to peeling carrots, potatoes and washing dishes, Stuart brings, dedication, and plenty of good humour to every shift. His favourite task? Sealing the meals before they go out to the customers.

But Stuart’s story doesn’t begin in the kitchen - it begins with regular and special education here in Adelaide. He went through Cubs and Scouts for many years, attending the 14th Australian Jamboree with his troop, before 10 years milking cows on a dairy farm in Tongala, Victoria. Surrounded by animals, wide open paddocks, and the openness of farm life “I loved the freedom,” he recalls. Stuart and his mum even named many of the cows in their herd - one of which was fondly called “halfway” when number 100 of 200 cows came through the dairy for the first time. He’s also worked in hospitality, picking up shifts at his local pub in Tongala during his time on the farm.

That love of freedom, hard work, and connection to community has stayed with Stuart as he moved into adult life. A man of many talents, Stuart has a long list of achievements under his belt. He’s represented SA at the Pan Pacific games in track & field and swimming, plays night owls and pennant carpet bowls and even took up karate. He also enjoys catching up with his brother and nephew and Dad in Melbourne. Before his retirement from Bedford Industries in 2021, Stuart worked in packaging and provided gardening services with Adelaide Property and Gardens for over 16 years.

At Edwardstown Meals on Wheels, Stuart has found a place where he can continue contributing to his community, and where he is deeply valued. On the Wednesday we visited EVERYONE made sure they said goodbye to him and one man requested a hug from this treasured friend.

When asked what makes him happiest about coming to Meals on Wheels, Stuart’s answer is simple: “Friends.” The people are what matter most to him. He speaks fondly of Chris, who picks him up in the morning - ”she’s my favourite” Stuart says - as well as his many fellow volunteers who have become his much-loved friends. “The people are my favourite,” he says with a grin.

Outside of Meals on Wheels, Stuart leads a full and active life. He spends time at Treasure Boxes packing for families in need, joins a weekly walking group for a bit of social exercise, and enjoys regular outings with his support workers, Ashley and Paul, plays tenpin bowling, goes to the gym and is an avid member of the 36ers.

Football is a major passion - he’s a proud Crows supporter and doesn’t mind stirring up some friendly rivalry with fellow volunteer Paul, who follows Port Power. When the Crows are winning “I make him sick,” Stuart jokes with a laugh.

Stuart also loves his home - a supported accommodation house in Marion, where he lives with seven others. In 2024, Stuart, his mother Ann and the other families in the house became passionate advocates during a campaign to save the house from being sold. Alongside his housemates, they presented more than 15,000 signatures on the steps of Parliament and featured in multiple media stories. Their advocacy paid off when Premier Peter Malinauskas announced that the house would not be sold. The result brought enormous relief to Stuart his housemates and families.

When we asked Stuart’s mum, Ann, what she thinks her son gets out of volunteering, her answer was thoughtful: “For me, he loves it. He calls it work, which is different to the way he refers to his other volunteering. I think that shows the importance of Meals on Wheels to him. It helps him keep his skills and maintain social interaction, independent of me. So, if Stuart can’t quite put into words what he gets out of it, that’s what I see.”

She also reflects, “The best thing is, he is very much a happy young man. He has always been. All the staff at the house tell me regularly how much they love Stuart - when they need a hand with something, he’s their go-to person.”

From watching Home and Away (never misses an episode) and cheering on his favourite Crows players (never misses a game) to enjoying his favourite meal lasagna (could eat it every day) or making his go-to ham, cheese and beetroot sandwich (a must try apparently), Stuart is someone who finds joy in life’s simple pleasures - and shares that joy with others.

“Do you think you make people happy?” I asked him. “Yes, I do,” he replied confidently. “I’m friendly. I help people. I make jokes.”

His message for anyone thinking of volunteering?

“Come and help. Be with friends. It’s good.”

Stuart’s presence is a gift to Meals on Wheels SA, and to everyone lucky enough to know him. His story reminds us that community is built on kindness, contribution, and connection - and Stuart is a great example of all three.