Meals on Wheels staff, supporters and volunteers will gather from around the country this week for
their bi-yearly National Conference.
Held in Sydney, the conference theme ‘Resilience, Revitalise, Reimagine’ promises a varied
program of inspiring, strategic and educational sessions to assist with the challenges faced as
Australia’s most loved in-home and community support provider.
This will be the first conference Paul Sadler will represent Meals on WheelsTM Australia (MoWA) as
Chair, having presented as an aged care industry expert at the 2022 event in Brisbane.
“The Conference offers an invaluable platform for Meals on Wheels staff, volunteers and
supporters to meet from right across the country, to network and form new connections,” he says.
“We know there’s no community quite like the Meals on Wheels one – a hardworking and kind
bunch always happy to share experiences and stories so we can work towards a better future for
older, vulnerable Australians. We really are better, together.”
The focus of this year’s Conference is on the incredible resilience of over 40,000 volunteers across
over 500 Meals on Wheels services, as well as the need to revitalise ourselves after the numerous
challenges faced over the last four years.
“Additionally, we ‘reimagine’ the future of our service, reflect on how far we have come and
consider how we can continue to support Australians to live independently and well, in their own
homes,” Mr Sadler says.
As the Albanese Government considers the framing of a new Aged Care Act in response to the
Aged Care Royal Commission, MoWA reminds them of the important role volunteers play in our
aged care system.
“The prospect of jail time and excessive civil penalties threatens the future of voluntary
participation in governing boards and must be moderated in the final legislation”, said Mr Sadler.
He added, “As the new Support at Home Program is developed, we want older people to be able to
access support urgently and then have their needs and eligibility for ongoing services assessed at
a later date.”
At least 200 delegates are expected to attend the three-day event at Sofitel Wentworth Sydney
from Wednesday 24 July to Friday 26 July.
To view the Conference Program, click here.
