Community Spirit Shines: Ingham Meals on Wheels Unveils New Facility

19 June 2024

Katter’s Australian Party Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto joined community members and donators on June 18, 2024, to commemorate a significant occasion—the official unveiling of the new Ingham Meals on Wheels facility at Eleanor Street.

The Hinchinbrook MP stated that the growth of Ingham Meals on Wheels reflects not just an expansion in services, but a deep-rooted commitment to supporting locals in need and Ingham’s elderly.

“From its modest beginnings over four decades ago at Conroy Hall, where it started with a humble delivery of six meals per week, Ingham Meals on Wheels has flourished into an essential community service, now providing an impressive 160 meals weekly,” Mr. Dametto said.

“The new facility stands as a symbol of Ingham’s spirit and generosity, embodying the words spoken by Meals on Wheels CEO, built by the community for the community.

“This organisation is more than just food, it’s a community hub that brings companionship and care to those who need it most.  It’s about looking after each other and ensuring that our elderly and those in need feel valued and supported.

“Ingham’s generosity and community spirit is the heart of this new building because without the local businesses, organisations and service groups who donated, this project would not have been possible.”

The new Ingham Meals on Wheels was officially opened by Mayor Ramon Jayo and blessed by Anglican Diocesan Archdeacon Father Kenneth Lay.

During Mayor Ramon Jayo’s official opening he made special mention of Keith and Rita Phillips’ outstanding contribution and the significant donation of $362,000 made by the Lower Herbert Lions Club who continue to support the wellbeing of the Herbert district’s senior citizens as part of their charter.

At the official opening, Mrs. Rita Phillips, President of the Ingham Meals on Wheels Management Committee shared some history of the past 40 years and expressed her deep appreciation of all the staff, volunteers and sponsors.

“Ingham Meals on Wheels would not be able to function without the help of the many volunteers – either in the kitchen or with deliveries, management committee members and our kitchen coordinators,” Mrs. Phillips stated.

“We would not survive without you, and the words ‘thank you’ never seem enough, however, we do mean them from our hearts and in big letters.

“I am overwhelmed at the generosity of this district and, also to people who live in other post codes of Queensland.

“We are just blessed in this community, and I do hope that everyone here knows that – we live in a great community here in Hinchinbrook.

“A celebration such as this, does not happen overnight but with dedicated people around you, things happen.”

A list of the full donors/sponsors include:

• Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club – $362,000 for building
• Keith and Rita Phillips – $55,000 for land
• Keita Services Pty Ltd – $32,560 for generator
• Lahtinen Electrical and Refrigeration – $20,931 for air conditioners
• Anonymous – $26,563 for combi oven, $18,786 for solar system and $7,272 for cool room panelling
• Wheeling for Willy – $20,022 for ovens and cooktops
• Devision Property Group – $27,105 for installation of cool room, kitchen racks and sinks
• Community Gambling Fund Grant – $22,514 for combi oven
• Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal Grant – $22,172 for dishwasher
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme Grant – $18,370 for exhaust canopy
• Stronger Communities Grant – $17,380 for blast chiller
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Hand Heart Pocket – $16,395 for flooring
• Hand Heart Pocket – $7,680 for security cameras

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