Our vulnerable elders need access to Meals on Wheels. Today, the MOW service delivers more than 80,000 meals each year to over 600 clients.  There are more than 100 volunteers involved. The service has been operating for more than 50 years.

On June 9, 2026, at a secret meeting after a confidential briefing from Council Officers, the Council decided to cease delivery of Commonwealth funded Aged Care Services from June 30, 2027.

Since then, the Commonwealth Government has backed down and is going to continue their funding of the Community Home Support Program (CHSP). The Council should immediately approach the Federal Government to work out how Meals on Wheels and other CHSP services can continue.

The underlying principles of Meals on Wheels make it an incredibly cost effective and innovative preventative health model. It provides more than a nutritious meal. It provides a welfare check that mitigates loneliness and social isolation, and provides comfort and solace to families whilst allowing elderly people to remain in their own homes out of institutional care.

Local government is a well-resourced, experienced, trusted and accountable provider of services. If meal services are left to commercial outfits, it will be difficult to ensure universal service and reasonable costs.

The Mornington Peninsula has an unusually old and ageing population.  Many elderly people living here have been here for decades and have paid rates for a long time. They deserve these services.