Two of the longest-serving members of Mount Isa Meals on Wheels, Anne Morris and Inez Bocos, continue to work hard. 

Having been with the organisation delivering meals, watering gardens and volunteering for years, both ladies hope to continue in the future. 

Ms Morris said she had been working for Meals on Wheels since 1966 when the Blue Nurses started the organisation. 

She said they were at a number of locations in the past before settling at Brilliant Street 20 years ago. 

“The Blue Nurses felt that people needed some extra help with meals,” Ms Morris said. 

Ms Morris said those that received meals were pleased to see them and that Meals on Wheels always tried to help those in need. 

Ms Bocos said there had been a number of good times over the years but one she remembered fondly was her veggie garden. 

“Back then I cooked Thursdays and I used to come in every morning and afternoon to water the gardens,” she said. 

“When I had the veggie garden it would be really funny how the (indigenous) kids used to jump over the fence and steal the carrots.” 

Mount Isa Meals on Wheels treasurer Bob Bentley said they hoped to increase the number of clients and meals they delivered across the city. 

“We are distributing fridge magnets around town to let people know,” he said. 

“To keep prices down we need more clients. 

“The less clients we have, the more it costs people.”

Even with 40 people currently working and volunteering, Meals and Wheels is always looking for someone to lend a helping hand if available. 

Mr Bentley said those hoping to get meals didn’t need to be referred by a doctor and only needed to talk to the Meals on Wheels team. 

“People need to know that getting Meals on Wheels is not the end of the road,” he said. 

“We are here if they need help.

“Numbers go up and down all year and the only day we don’t do meals is Christmas day.”

Former vice-president John Cahill said while he had only been with Meals on Wheels for three years, he’d already had plenty of great memories. 

“It has been good fun and it still is,” he said.  

Mr Cahill has now taken a step back but still helps out when he is needed. 

“I just come in and help give a hand,” he said. 

“If they need someone to mop the floors, I will mop the floors. 

“It (Meals on Wheels) is so helpful to the community.

“If people need a feed they can get a meal that is always fresh.”