Meals On Wheels Whitehorse - Newsletter Issue 1. Nov 2025

Client Choice in Aged Care

At Whitehorse Meals on Wheels, client choice sits at the heart of our service.

 Over 160 meal options: By partnering with a range of local suppliers, we’re committed to offering a diverse selection of meals tailored to individual tastes and needs.

 Choice of up to 3 days for delivery of your Meals from Monday through to Friday.

 Choice of Chilled or Frozen Meals

 You have the choice to stay with us - even when you start a new aged care package. Beginning services with a Support at Home or Home Care Package provider doesn’t mean you need to change your meal service. If your provider suggests otherwise, please call us. We’ll ensure you can continue enjoying Whitehorse Meals on Wheels.

 As your aged care needs grow, staying with us is an even smarter choice. We provide a wellbeing check with every delivery and work closely with your provider to ensure you’re supported and cared for.

We’re not like other meal services - we truly care for your wellbeing.

Volunteer Voices

Stories That Nourish the Soul

At Whitehorse Meals on Wheels, our volunteers are more than just helping hands—they are the heartbeat of our community. Each delivery, each smile, each shared moment tells a story of connection, compassion, and purpose.

In this edition, we shine a light on the incredible journeys of volunteers like Craig, who joined as it felt like the perfect fit - his mother had volunteered for more than 40 years, and Craig wanted to continue her legacy. His story reminds us that sometimes, the smallest acts can leave the biggest impact.

Craig’s Volunteering Journey

Craig began volunteering with our Whitehorse Branch in July 2023, during the transition from Whitehorse City Council to Newcastle Meals on Wheels.

Originally from Adelaide, Craig returned there when his mum’s health declined so he could care for her in the last years of her life. After her passing, he settled back in Victoria, retired, and began looking for ways to give back to his community. When he saw a callout for volunteers at Meals on Wheels, it felt like the perfect fithis mother had volunteered for more than 40 years, and Craig wanted to continue her legacy.

He started in the packing room before joining delivery runs and soon became a volunteer driver. “I know the area well, and I’ve been told I like to chat, so it’s the perfect role for me!” he laughs.

Craig now volunteers every Tuesday and Thursday on his own Box Hill route, building strong connections with clients from all walks of life. “You learn who likes a chat, and that a smile is the same in any language,” he says.

For Craig, volunteering is about more than delivering meals—it’s about connection. “If I can make someone’s day a little brighter, that makes mine too.”

Support at Home

The Support at Home program is a new aged care program that is aimed to provide better care option to help older Australians remain in their homes for longer. This program starts on the 1st of November 2025. The Government will send letters to all older Australians in the coming months to inform them of these changes. But don’t worry, we are also here to help. We’ve attached a brief overview to this newsletter and encourage you to call the numbers or visit the websites listed on the flyer for more information. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Find out more information...

Support roles & relationships

find out more about upcoming changes to support roles & relationships SCAN QR CODE

Exploring aged care

provides insight to how the new program will work and how you apply. SCAN QR CODE

Indicative support at home prices

to find out more about the indicative support at home prices SCAN QR CODE

Christmas is around the corner!

Whitehorse Meals on Wheels will pause service over Christmas, with the last deliveries on Tuesday 23rd December, resuming on Monday, 5 January 2026. If you or someone you know would appreciate a check-in call during this time, contact your branch coordinator to connect with one of our friendly staff.

The Truth About Snacks

Why Older Australians Should Embrace Them

For generations, many of us grew up hearing that snacking between meals would ruin our appetites or lead to weight gain. But new research is challenging that long-held belief—especially for older Australians. Studies now show that healthy snacking can actually support good nutrition, hydration, and overall wellbeing in our later years.

As we age, smaller appetites and changing energy needs can make it harder to get all the nutrients we need from three main meals. That’s where smart snacking comes in. Choosing small, nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day can help maintain energy levels, manage weight, and add variety to your diet.

Of course, not all snacks are created equal. While an entire packet of mint slice biscuits might not qualify as “nutrient-dense,” wholesome options like cheese and crackers, yoghurt, fruit, or nuts can make a big difference.

So next time you’re peckish between meals, don’t feel guilty—embrace it! Snacking can be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle when done right.

Have your say by giving us feedback: would you be interested in purchasing small snacks from Meals on Wheels, such as cheese and crackers?

Beat the Heat Stay

Safe This Summer

Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and those with medical conditions.

To stay safe:

• Keep cool: Use fans or air-conditioning, wear light clothing, and avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly—even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.

• Know the signs: Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion like dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating. If symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.

Plan ahead, check in on vulnerable neighbours, and make sure you know what to do in a heatwave.

To find out more visit www.health.nsw.gov.au or scan the QR Code

Whistleblower Policy Speak Up Safely

Newcastle Meals on Wheels is committed to integrity and transparency. Our Whistleblower Policy provides a safe and confidential way for anyone—staff, volunteers, clients, carers, or visitors—to report serious misconduct such as fraud, unsafe practices, or unethical behaviour.

This process is not for regular feedback or complaints. It is specifically for reporting serious concerns that may impact the safety, legality, or ethical standards of our service.

How to Enact the Whistleblower Policy:

• Email: wpo@mow.net.au

• Phone: 03 9017 3881 or 02 4957 7097

• Request to enact the Whistleblower Policy.

The importance of following heating instructions:

Every now and then, we get a comment about the meat in our meals being a bit on the tough side. So, here’s a friendly reminder that our meals come with heating instructions! To get the tastiest results, be sure to read them before you tuck in. Double-check how your microwave is set up—and whatever you do, please resist the urge to whack the “Quick Start” button 15 times in a row. Your taste buds will thank you!

If you have followed these instructions but are still experiencing chewy chunks, please contact us at 03 9017 3881 to provide your feedback.

• Our Whistleblower Protection O cer (WPO) is currently serving as Acting CEO, ensuring independence and confidentiality in handling reports.

Reports can be made anonymously to:

• A senior manager

• The Whistleblower Protection O cer

• Our auditor

• Relevant authorities

We endeavour to review reports within fi ve business days, and investigations are conducted with fairness and confidentiality. Protections are in place to prevent retaliation.

Let’s continue to do what’s right - together.

Did You Know

Did you know in the past 12 months Whitehorse meals on wheels has distributed over 72,000 items to clients. Also our volunteers have travelled over 26,000km to deliver meals throughout the Whithorse Shire which is the distance around Australia 1.75 times

Feedback

Please contact us on the information below or scan the QR code here to submit it.

Whitehorse Meals On Wheels 96-106 Springvale Rd, Nunawading Call 03 9017 3881 or email info@mow.net.au.