Former president Alfred McCarthy said the day, a culmination of a 12-months transition, celebrated the organisation’s history.

“Today we, the meals on wheels family meet together over lunch to mark the winding up of the incorporated association,” Mr McCarthy said.

He thanked the tireless volunteers, since inception, for their efforts.

“Thank you to the old hands, some of whom have served for 30 or 40 years. Most don’t remember when they started delivery meals.

Volunteers included members of the Uniting Church, Quota Club, Anglican Church, Red Cross, CWA, Catholic Church and Yass Day View.

“Volunteering is about contributing to the community and knowing that you personally have made a difference,” he said.

While the incorporation has ceased, due to difficulties of a voluntary committee, meals on wheels in Yass will continue.

Administration has transferred to Yass Valley Aged Care (which looks after Horton House and Warmington Lodge) while the Hospital Auxiliary will continue to prepare meals. 

Mr McCarthy presented a cheque to Lyn Morgan, CEO of Yass Valley Aged Care, to continue the ongoing service.

Janelle Waters represented the hospital and its cooks and kitchen staff who, for more than 38 years, have provided meals that Mr McCarthy described as “service with careful attention to detail”.

“I cannot overstate the importance of our hospital kitchen and the special concern of each staff member for the clients,” he said.

Fay Moore, secretary in 1989–2017, thanked the many contributors for their services.

“We put this luncheon on so that we can say thank you because it’s been a long time,” Ms Moore said.

Yass Meals on Wheels began on July 14, 1969 when a committee was formed at the Yass Municipal Council to investigate the need for the service.

Four days later, the Meals on Wheels committee was established.

At the luncheon, Mr McCarthy also talked about the history, saying that while cost of meals have risen, “our core business hasn’t changed”.

“We calmly delivered meals each year,” he said.