Happy New Year!
I think it’s an obvious statement to say that we all hope for a happy and healthy 2021 – anything would be a vast improvement on 2020.
We experienced some wonderful moments in 2020 as a result of the circumstances we found ourselves in. Some great gestures of generosity and humanity in the midst of all the difficulties faced by communities at a local, national and international level. As you know from previous newsletters we received many generous donations of goods for our clients and we welcomed new volunteers!
AUMOW held its AGM in November and we have seen some changes in our Management Committee as a result. Congratulations to incoming President Simon McMillan for taking the reins – well worn – from the capable hands of Mr Rick Mills who has stepped down to fill Vice President role. Rick and his wife Marg have given many, many hours of their time to Meals on Wheels over the decades for which we are eternally grateful.
We welcome Mandy Courtney to the Committee. Another new member, Care for Seniors Coordinator Natasha Little, has stepped into the role of Secretary as Shirley Cook has had to stand down from the Committee, as did Bob Franklin, Doug Lobban and Ros van der Veen. We are extremely grateful for all their time and contributions to the service whilst they are continuing to deliver meals for us too!
BIG CONGRATULATIONS to our Committee member Maryann Munsie who was named Uralla Citizen of the Year for her services to the community. Maryann gives her time to many charities and events in Uralla including CanAssist, Relay for Life, as well as her long history with Meals on Wheels.
One of our other long-term drivers Mr Ian Garske (from Armidale Central Rotary) was honoured for his multi-decade service to the community through the Annual Book Fair. Congratulations to Ian (and Helen!) for that recognition.
Last but by no means least, we bid a very fond farewell to our Sous Chef, Mr John Wightman who will retire at the end of February. Since 2016 John has worked with our Chef to produce our wonderful meals and we sincerely thank him for his service to the community and our organization. Farewell John!
Kerryn Williams
Manager