Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability) Share this | Hansard source

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated National Volunteer Week across the country. I take this opportunity to thank the many local volunteer organisations—in particular Nepean Food Services, who provide a fantastic service to so many local community members across Penrith; they've been doing this for 30 years. Ditte and the team at Nepean Food Services also run a local Meals on Wheels provision. I thank every volunteer. It was great.

I went to lunch with the volunteers from Nepean Food Services just the other week. They do tremendous work driving, delivering meals, taking calls, helping in the packing room and also providing social support. What I like most is it's not just about providing meals to people who need them; they actually provide friendship. We know that in our communities a lot of older people in particular are experiencing loneliness as they age in their homes. It's wonderful work that Meals on Wheels provide, and it's so important in today's day and age that we look after our older people. I'm truly grateful we have this great service, like all our volunteer organisations across the community—particularly those providing food because, right now, people need it.

See this speech in context