The annual celebration recognises the work of the organisation’s more than 75,000 volunteers at nearly 700 branches around the country, delivering over 14 million meals to more than 60,000 meal recipients Australia wide.

While age and disability may reduce some people’s capacity to get out and about, Meals on Wheels helps make it possible to stay in their homes, where most are happiest, and maintain some independence.

It was also acknowledged that volunteers don’t just delver meals they also perform a vital check on vulnerable residents to see that they are coping well in their homes.

Australian Meals on Wheels Association President, Mr Ron Welsh OAM said, “the day marks the progress made from humble beginnings in South Melbourne in 1953, where a lady on a tricycle delivered a few meals to local residents”.

“It is an opportunity to highlight to the Australian people the significant contribution that is made to the community by over 75,000 volunteers across Australia,” he said.