Newsletter
September / October / November 2016
Tasmania
From the CEO’s desk ...
Hello everyone
I just thought I would bring you up to date with significant changes to the
funding model which the Federal Government is proposing.
From February 2017 Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home
Support Program (CHSP) under which we are funded, will be amalgamating.
At the moment it is unsure what effect this will have on our organisation
overall as we may or may not attract more clients. In the past Home Care
Packages have been responsible for us losing a number of our clients. We
have been trying to win these back by advising package providers that we
can provide meals to them under their guidelines.
Of more significant change however, is the proposed new funding mode
the Federal Government proposes to implement in 2018; that is, all funding
will go to the consumer and not to the supplier.
Meals on Wheels will receive no funding whatsoever and this means
significant changes to our operations as we will be more or less competing in
an open market. Obviously this will create pressure on our organisation. We
are working behind the scenes at a national level to get this changed. To
that end you will soon see announcements in the media by Meals on Wheels
Jackie Lambie.
Inside
We will soon deliver to everyone our policy and statement that you can use
President’s Report
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AGM & Conference
2
Life Memberships
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Condolence Notice
3
Around the State
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Australia and certain politicians who will be fighting our cause, including
if you are contacted by your local politician.
On a brighter note, our Cygnet Branch has just moved into spacious new
premises and our new premises at Ulverstone are serving them well.
A new summer menu will begin in January for Branches who receive meals
from Uniting Age Well. Please continue to push choice of menu as much as
you can as this will help our cause.
If you have any queries I will be happy to discuss these with you and I hope
Penguin
Hobart
Forth Valley
Client Social Functions
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done so already.
State Office Celebrations
5
Kind regards …...
Client Feedback
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Membership Invitation
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to visit each of the Branches in person over the next month, if I have not
Sean Burk
CEO MOW Tas Inc.
MEALS ON WHEELS TASMANIA
President’s Update
The Annual State Conference and Annual General Meeting of Meals on Wheels
Tasmania were held at The Tramsheds Conference Centre in Launceston on 28
September 2016.
It was most appropriate that the Conference was opened by the recently elected
member for Bass, Mr Ross Hart MHR, who gave a very stimulating address on the
place of community service in our society using Meals on Wheels and his own
experiences as a former volunteer for MoW as an example.
This was followed by a lively and interesting presentation by dietician and nutrition
consultant Ngaire Hobbins who spoke about her primary interests in the relevance
of nutrition in ageing and dementia.
Our own CEO Sean Burk then gave a
presentation on the work he was involved in during his recent secondment in Sri
Lanka.
The AGM of MoW Tasmania was held after lunch. In addition to the normal
business of an AGM, such as the presentation of annual reports from the President
and Treasurer and elections for vacant positions on the Board of Governance, it
was pleasing to announce and award four new life memberships to our
organisation (see article elsewhere in this newsletter).
The meeting then moved on to a significant item of Special Business concerning
the adoption of a new Constitution which had been developed during the earlier
part of 2016, with the opportunity for member groups to have input. The major
change that the new Constitution would bring about to MoW Tasmania was that
membership would now be for individuals rather than groups. A final version of the
new document was circulated prior to the AGM and after discussion from the
floor, this was put to the vote. I am pleased to report that this was passed with a
significant majority.
Dr Stephen Aldous
President, MoW Tas.
ALP member for Bass, Ross Hart
officially opening the 2016 State
Conference
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MEALS ON WHEELS TASMANIA
Guest Speaker, Ngaire Hobbins
MoW Tas CEO, Sean Burk.
MoW Tas President Dr Stephen Alduous
Life Membership inductees
MoW Tasmania is very proud to
recognise the many years of dedicated
service by these four wonderful ladies!
Life Membership was presented to Kath
Carnes, Judy Boon, Kaye Ling and Jenny
Stones at the 2016 State Conference and
AGM held in Launceston.
On the hustings
MoW Tas CEO, Sean Burk and NSW MoW CEO Les McDonald
recently met with Senator Jackie Lambie as part of our
awareness campaign to ensure that politicians are briefed
on issues facing Meals on Wheels.
Sean and Les will be meeting with other politicians in the
coming months.
Vale Marie Ducat OAM
Meals on Wheels Tasmania was saddened to learn of the passing of Marie Ducat.
Marie was a volunteer with Hobart Meals on Wheels for over 50 years and was
involved with Meals on Wheels since its inception in Tasmania in 1955. Marie initially
responded to a newspaper advertisement asking for volunteers:“I saw an advertisement in the paper and I went along to a meeting down at the bottom of the T&G Building.
Mrs Cuthbert was running it … “Mrs Ducat was quoted ass saying in an interview conducted in June 2005.
“When we first began, we use to have boxes of food, we would arrive at the houses and run inside to get some
plates, we would then return to the car and service it directly onto the crockery …” Mrs Ducat also commented
that Meals on Wheels is “very worthwhile and it doesn’t take long, whatever you do for others you end up
getting back three-fold, there is a pleasure in helping the people”.
Mrs Ducat served on the Hobart committee where she performed duties such as
arranging the supply and delivery of Christmas Cakes at Christmas and sweets at
Easter and attending the National Meals on Wheels conference. Her children
would often accompany her on her rounds in the school holidays.
In 1982 Mrs Ducat also volunteered for Telecross, Legacy, and was treasurer of the
Church Guild. Her love of gardening led her to become a ’Friend of the Botanical
Gardens’ in the same way that her love of history led her to membership of the
Sandy Bay Historical Society.
Mrs Ducat passed away peacefully at home on Friday 14th October 2016 in her
100th year. Meals on Wheels Tasmania would like to extend their deepest
sympathies to her family at this sad time.
MEALS ON WHEELS TASMANIA
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Around the State ...
Penguin
Penguin Meals on Wheels held their AGM on Wednesday the
17th August 2016 where three Committee Members were
honoured for their exceptional service to Meals on Wheels, and
the Penguin community.
Peggy Beswick: joined as a volunteer in 1979, and joined the
committee in 1994. In 1997 she took over the organisation of the
recipient’s meal roster, a position she still fills to this day. Over the
years she has also been involved with meals delivery, kitchen
roster and any other tasks that arise. Peggy is a cheerful, reliable
and much valued member of our group.
Phyllis Plapp: joined as a volunteer in 1997, and joined the
committee in 2000. For six years from 2001 until 2007 Phyllis organised the volunteer delivery roster. In 2011 she
became Vice Treasurer a position she still holds today. Phyllis is still involved with deliveries and kitchen roster and is
a cheerful, friendly and much valued member of our group.
Margaret Hiscutt: joined as a volunteer in 1995, joined the committee in 1996, became Vice President in 2006, and
President in 2007, a position she still holds to this day. Margaret is always cheerfully available to help in any capacity
required, from decorating the meals vehicle for the Christmas parade to preparing the gifts for recipients at
Christmas, Easter and at other times during the year. She is an important member of our group and is a steadying
influence on our members.
Hobart
Clients of Hobart Meals on Wheels were treated
to a special delivery with their meal on August
31st to celebrate National Meals on Wheels Day.
Thanks go to Denise for cooking up these
homemade treats that went along with packets
of fruit and nut mix or rice crackers which were
organised by the State Office.
Forth Valley
Forth Valley Meals on Wheels merged with Ulverstone Meals on
Wheels on the 30th June, 2016.
A farewell afternoon tea was held for all Forth Valley volunteers
on June 22nd at the Forth Town Hall. The inaugural meeting
was held there on the 14th February, 1985 when Forth Valley
first formed so it was appropriate that they finished there as
well.
The celebration cake was cut by 3 life members, Kaye Ling,
Janet Fisher and Jenny Stones and their foundation member
Elaine Perry. A great afternoon was enjoyed by all.
Meals on Wheels eNews
Did you know that for your convenience, you can receive our Newsletter electronically to
your email address! To sign up for this service, just send an email to [email protected]
with your name and email address. The MoW Tas newsletter comes out every two months.
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MEALS ON WHEELS TASMANIA
Client Social Functions
The very first Social Function for Meals on Wheels clients was held at The
Claremont Hotel on Wednesday 9th November and a wonderful time
was had by everyone who attended.
Not only did our clients enjoy a lovely meal but a few fun games were
organised and there were a lot of nostalgic memories shared including
a visit to Hobart's very first notorious nightclub. The clients who attended
are really already looking forward to catching up again at our future
events.
Our next social event will be a traditional Christmas lunch on Tuesday
20th December. We will have entertainment and a visit from Santa. If
you know any Meals on Wheels clients who live in the greater Hobart,
Glenorchy, Eastern Shore areas who would like to attend please call
Leesa on 62720124. Transport can be arrange if required. The more the
merrier!
State Office Celebrations
It was a weekend of celebrations in Meals on Wheels State Office.
Our office Trainee Alyssa celebrated her 18th birthday on Friday 11th November.
We wish you a very happy birthday Alyssa and best wishes for the future.
Meals on Wheels Tasmania would like to congratulate our Finance Officer Kristy on
her wedding to Trent on Saturday 12th November. We wish you
both all the very best for your future life together.
MEALS ON WHEELS TASMANIA
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Client Feedback
To the Committee
Meals on Wheels Tasmania
I write to congratulate you on your new Menus—Weeks 1 to 4. I have been getting Meals on Wheels now for
some years and find them nicely presented with the vegetables, meat and gravy, separated in the special
containers. Now, with the addition of the menu’s it makes choice of meals so much more interesting. I must
add that the ‘salads’ are especially nice and their presentation perfect.
I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking your staff for their courtesy both in person and on the phone
and the kindness of your volunteers who are always cheerful and obliging. I am now 93 years of age and this
service allows me to stay in my own home and not feel the necessity of
moving into Home Care.
Should you wish to use any part of my letter in future advertising, please feel free.
Kind regards
Pauline
Pauline.
We need more Volunteers …...
Our Volunteers are the back-bone of our organisation — we would not survive
without them! One of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community
is to become a Meals on Wheels Volunteer. We need YOUR help and we need
it NOW !!
If you are interested in volunteering with us please call Leesa on
1800MYMEAL (1800 696 325)
Meals on Wheels Association of Tasmania Inc.
P O Box 149 Glenorchy Tasmania 7010
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MEALS ON WHEELS TASMANIA
Ph: 03 6272 0124
Fx: 03 6272 0184
Email: [email protected]